Major UK pork producers can resume exports to China as the
government secures the end Covid-era restrictions on UK
unprocessed pork exports.
- Huge win for UK farmers and economic growth as pork producers
can now export to China
- Industry estimates this could boost revenues by around £80
million
- British bangers back on the menu after restrictions lifted
British pork producers are bringing home the bacon today (8
December) as the government secures the end of China's Covid-era
restrictions on UK unprocessed pork exports. Industry estimates
this could boost revenues by around £80 million.
The move means British bangers and other premium pork products
can once again sizzle their way onto Chinese dinner plates, with
major UK producers getting the green light to restart their
exports immediately.
China bought around £180 million worth of pigmeat in 2023 alone –
making them the UK's biggest non-EU customer. Now, with these
restrictions lifted, even more British produce will be heading
east.
The development comes after top-level talks during the Foreign
Secretary's recent visit to China. Representatives from Defra and
the Department for Business and Trade have worked to get British
pork back on Chinese menus in collaboration with industry, the
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the UK
Export Certification Partnership (UKECP).
Minister for Food Security
said:
This is a massive win for British pork producers who will now be
able to send their high-quality products to one of our largest
markets, worth £180 million.
It's a further example of this government delivering on our Plan
for Change, boosting growth and benefitting businesses across the
country. Our pork is world-famous for its quality, and now we can
give Chinese customers what they're hungry for.
Trade Minister said:
Economic growth is at the heart of everything this government
does, and opening export opportunities is vital in achieving
that.
China is already a huge market for UK pork businesses who
exported £180 million of products to China last year alone.
Today's announcement will be welcome news for British farmers and
producers who have been affected by the suspension and could grow
British pork exports even further.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Jorge
Martin-Almagro said:
The reopening of the China market for the affected companies is
fantastic news.
China is a crucial market for UK pork and this advance opens
opportunities for our industry to continue to grow our exports.
This achievement is a testament to the significant collaboration
between Government and industry to resolve a longstanding issue.
Graham Wilkinson, Agriculture and Horticulture
Development Board (AHDB) CEO, said:
China is our biggest export market for the pork sector and
today's announcement of the re-listing of two UK sites is very
welcome news for the industry.
AHDB, working closely with government and industry has played an
integral part in this process, organising technical discussions
by gathering evidence to support official engagements and
highlighting the economic value to the UK pork meat industry.
Today's announcement demonstrates how this collaborative approach
delivers tangible benefits for our levy payers.
Today's announcement will help to deliver growth, and follows
another recent victory for British farmers and producers, with
the government securing access to the US
market for UK beetroot growers earlier this year, worth
approximately £150,000 per year in increased exports.
Defra will continue to work closely with UK pork producers and
traders, as well as relevant industry bodies, to ensure the
smooth export of their goods to China.
Notes to editors
- UK exports of pork and products in 2023 comprised exports of
pork valued at £80 million, plus exports of pork meat products
including sausages, bacon, and offal valued at almost £100
million.
- Export data is sourced from HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics
September 2023. Comprising HS codes Pork: HS0203 and Pork meat
products: HS0210, HS160100, HS020630, HS020641, HS020649,
HS160241, HS160242, HS160249.
