Key Figures:
- In 2024, the UK produced 960,800 tonnes of pig meat.
- The female breeding herd dropped from 413,000 head in 2019 to 327,000 in June 2024.
- UK pork imports reached 789,300 tonnes worth over £2.95 billion, 99% sourced from the EU.
- UK pork exports totalled 298,100 tonnes in 2024, valued at £505 million, with the EU accounting for 42%.
Labour Shortages and Processing Capacity
One of the most significant post-Brexit challenges has been labour shortages due to a decline in EU workers. Employment in the meat processing sector fell by an average of 3.5% annually from 2019 to 2024. The issue was worsened by COVID-19, which caused staff absences and production slowdowns.
A shortage of butchers forced the UK to import more processed cuts. Bone-in pork imports fell 39% (from 232,000 tonnes in 2019 to 141,000 in 2024), while boneless pork imports rose by 3%, indicating increased reliance on foreign processing capacity.
Export Decline and Trade Shifts
Since Brexit, UK pork exports to the EU have declined by 51%. Increased bureaucracy and border delays created challenges. While exports to non-EU countries have grown, they still account for a smaller share and are generally lower in value.
Access to new markets such as Mexico and Vietnam has improved. The outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Asia initially increased demand, but as China’s domestic production recovered and COVID-19 impacted trade, demand declined. UK access to the Chinese market was further restricted when key plants were delisted during the pandemic, with some reinstated only in late 2024.
However, Brexit has allowed the UK to independently negotiate free trade agreements (FTAs) and join trade blocs such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These developments offer long-term export potential.
Rising Production Costs
Over the past five years, production costs have surged. Brexit-related labour shortages and higher recruitment costs contributed, but the war in Ukraine played a significant role. Feed prices, especially wheat—which comprises about 50% of UK pig feed—spiked. Feed accounts for around 65% of pig production costs.
A backlog of pigs in 2021, due to processing delays, caused an oversupply and sharp price drops. Coupled with slowed global demand during the pandemic, this drove producers’ net margins to as low as -£58 per head.
Even in recovery, high inflation and interest rates continue to pressure producers via energy, finance, veterinary, and maintenance costs.
Conclusion:
The UK pork industry has undergone profound transformation since Brexit. While trade deals and new markets provide opportunities, challenges remain—labour shortages, cost pressures, and market realignments demand continued adaptation. The road ahead will require innovation, investment, and strategic support to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for UK pig production.