In the first quarter of 2026, the United Kingdom recorded its highest pork export volumes in four years. According to AHDB, total pig meat exports, including offal, increased by 12% year-on-year to 87.1 thousand tonnes.
The main drivers of growth were shipments to the European Union, Japan and South Africa. Exports to EU countries increased by 5.6 thousand tonnes, exports to Japan rose by 1.3 thousand tonnes, and shipments to South Africa grew by 766 tonnes. Analysts link this to continued supply shortages in certain regions caused by the spread of African swine fever (ASF). According to the European Commission, 4,756 ASF cases in wild boar and domestic pigs were recorded across the EU.
The strongest growth was seen in the fresh and frozen pork segment, where exports increased by 31%, or 10.2 thousand tonnes, compared to the same period last year. Shipments to China and Japan increased significantly: exports to China rose by 15%, while exports to Japan more than tripled. Exports to the EU also strengthened by 42%.
At the same time, processed pork exports declined by 26% due to lower shipments to EU countries. Offal exports to China also decreased by 8%, reflecting China’s continued strategy of strengthening pork self-sufficiency.
Analysts also highlighted significant growth in offal exports to the Philippines and South Africa, where domestic markets remain under pressure from ASF.
Against the backdrop of stronger exports, UK pork imports declined by 4% in the first quarter, falling to 173.3 thousand tonnes. The largest decreases were recorded in bacon and fresh/frozen pork imports. Meanwhile, imports from Germany rose sharply following the recovery of trade that had previously been restricted due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Looking ahead, UK exporters may face stronger competition in Asian markets. Brazil, in particular, continues to expand pork production and maintains a competitive advantage due to lower production costs. Additional pressure comes from China’s policy of reducing dependence on imports.
In addition, competition in the Philippines market is expected to intensify following the return of Spain and Germany under new ASF regionalisation agreements.
Thus, the UK pork sector is demonstrating strong export performance amid global epizootic challenges, although increasing competition in international markets and changing demand patterns may affect trade dynamics throughout 2026.
PigUA.info based on materials from euromeatnews.com