China lifts restrictions on British pork

China has lifted the export restrictions on pork from the United Kingdom. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the industry estimates that the decision will generate £80 million (approximately €97 million) for the British sector.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Asian country halted the export of various major companies in the meat sector. The Chinese government decided, after several Covid virus infections, to revoke the import permits of several slaughterhouses. At the same time, the Chinese government revoked licenses for various Brazilian beef slaughterhouses.

According to the British agriculture organization AHDB, the United Kingdom exported 298,500 tons of pork in 2023. 38% of it went to China. This brings the exported volume to the country to 113,500 tons of pork. For each muscle meat part, China is the second largest importer. Additionally, China is the largest importer of British offal.

Matthijs Bremer

Matthijs Bremer is a market specialist in pork, beef, and poultry meat at DCA Market Intelligence. He also monitors the protein transition, keeping an eye on developments in cultured meat and meat substitutes.

m.bremer@farmerbusiness.com