Exports: China Takes the Lead
Offal remains the largest contributor to the UK’s export portfolio at 36,700 tonnes (47%), with 22,100 tonnes shipped to China—an 18% increase YoY. However, total growth in the category was more muted at 4% due to a 26% drop in exports to the Philippines, down by over 1,000 tonnes.
Fresh and frozen pork exports rose by 2,000 tonnes to 32,900 tonnes, marking the first YoY growth since 2022. While EU27 countries remain the primary destination (48% share), increased shipments to China were the main source of growth.
Bacon exports continued their downward trend, falling 5% compared to Q1 2024. This category is heavily reliant on the EU market (97%), with the decline driven by lower volumes to Ireland and Germany. In contrast, processed pig meat exports grew 1%, supported by increased demand from Ireland.
Imports: Modest Decline Due to FMD Impact
UK pig meat imports totalled 180,500 tonnes in Q1 2025, a slight 1% decrease YoY.
Bacon was the only import category to grow, increasing by 3% to 42,600 tonnes. Fresh and frozen pork held steady at 77,500 tonnes, maintaining the largest share (43%). Declines in processed pig meat and sausages—each down by 1,300 tonnes—contributed to the overall downward trend.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Germany Disrupts Trade
A confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Germany on 10 January had a significant short-term impact on trade. In January, UK pig meat imports dropped by 8% and exports by 13% YoY, as Germany lost its export license to the UK. This led to an oversupply in the European market and increased pressure on pig prices.
From 2020 to 2024, Germany consistently ranked among the top three pig meat suppliers to the UK, averaging 39,100 tonnes in Q1. In sharp contrast, Q1 2025 volumes fell to just 13,800 tonnes, dropping Germany to the seventh-largest supplier.
This shift in supply sources resulted in notable volume increases from other key trading partners: Belgium (+4,500 t), Spain (+4,200 t), Denmark (+3,300 t), while the Netherlands and Ireland each increased shipments by around 2,000 tonnes.
On 24 March, the UK government granted regionalisation, allowing imports from outside Germany’s containment zone. As of 14 May, the UK officially recognised Germany as FMD-free without vaccination, lifting all related trade restrictions.
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