According to year-end results, total UK pig meat imports (including fresh and frozen meat, processed products, and offal) fell by 5% year-on-year to 752,500 tonnes. This marked the lowest annual volume since 2021.
The sharpest decline was recorded in shipments from Germany, which fell by 26% (down 37,000 tonnes), largely due to supply disruptions early in the year following a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Meanwhile, Belgium showed the strongest growth among EU suppliers, increasing exports to the UK by 12% to 56,500 tonnes.
The United States remained the largest non-EU supplier of pork, although overall volumes were relatively small. In 2025, imports from the USA declined by 28% to 1,100 tonnes.
Despite a significant drop in EU grade S reference pig prices in the second half of the year, this did not result in a substantial increase in UK import volumes. Seasonal trade activity rose slightly in October and November ahead of Christmas, but December imports declined by 9% compared with the previous year, with November and December volumes being the lowest for the past four years.
Overall, fourth-quarter imports fell by 7%, reinforcing the broader downward trend observed throughout 2025. The structure of imports remained largely unchanged: fresh and frozen pork accounted for 43% of volumes, bacon for 23%, sausages for 20%, processed pig meat for 12%, and offal for 2%.
At the same time, UK pork exports increased by 3% to 306,200 tonnes, driven by higher domestic production and demand from key trading partners. However, due to a slight decline in average prices, the total value of exports fell by 5% to £491.6 million.
China became the largest export destination, overtaking the EU in terms of volume. Shipments to China rose by 13% to 135,600 tonnes. Meanwhile, exports to EU countries declined by 5% to 119,500 tonnes. Reduced shipments to the Philippines were mainly attributed to stronger competition from Brazil, which offers more affordable pork.
Offal remained the largest export category, accounting for 48% of total shipments, with volumes increasing by 3%. Exports of fresh and frozen pork rose by 5%, while sausage exports increased by 11%. In contrast, exports of bacon and processed pig meat declined by 8% and 12%, respectively.
AHDB analysts predict that UK pork production may slow in the coming years due to a reduction in the female breeding herd, potentially limiting future export growth. Additional challenges include China’s drive toward self-sufficiency and intensifying global competition, particularly from Brazil, which is expanding its presence in Asian markets.
Therefore, despite positive export performance in 2025, the UK pork sector may face a more challenging international trading environment in the near future.
PigUA.info based on materials from euromeatnews.com