UK pigmeat import volumes persisted to extend in opposition to the top of final 12 months, because the EU-UK worth differential grew, making imports an exquisite proposition to complete home shortfalls.
Pigmeat import volumes totalled 71,300 tonnes in November, up through 1,200t on October, the fourth month in a row of expansion and 1,000t up on November 2022.
For the 12 months to November, UK pig meat imports totalled 720,100 t, which was once 2% (-18,100t) down at the similar duration in 2022. On the other hand, each month from Would possibly has observed a year-on-year building up.
Right through November, imports of unpolluted and frozen beef had been 11%, 3,000t, up on November 2022. On the other hand, sausage imports had been down 7%, 1,000t, bacon was once down 5%, 900t and processed beef merchandise had been 3% decrease.
AHDB senior analyst Soumya Behera mentioned ‘more than one components’ are contributing to the rise in import volumes, together with decrease home manufacturing, with the United Kingdom pig inhabitants recorded at its lowest stage in over a decade.
“Decrease Ecu pig reference costs, that have been declining over the previous couple of months, additionally stay key,” she mentioned.
“The cost differentials between UK and EU costs proceed to improve EU imports to the United Kingdom. Along with this, call for components have additionally performed a key function.
“Retail quantity purchases stay suppressed through 2.2% for the 12 weeks finishing 26 November 2023. On the other hand, volumes within the meals provider sector have long gone up through 7.2%, thereby uplifting call for in a class with larger publicity to imported product.”
Exports
UK pigmeat export volumes remained beneath 2022 ranges, due in large part to manufacturing constraints, totalling 27,600 t in November, down 4% (-1,200 t) on November 2022.
Overall pig meat exports 12 months to November) totalled 275,900t, one of the vital lowest volumes within the final 8 years and 19% decrease (-65,700 t) in comparison to the similar duration final 12 months.
All product classes noticed year-on-year declines in November – except for for contemporary/frozen beef, the place volumes have higher through 600 t. Shipments of offal have observed the biggest quantity declines, down 9% year-on-year to 11,700 t.
Exports of bacon have recorded a decline of 600 t (36%), whilst exports of sausages and processed meat recorded small adjustments.
Regardless that exports to China, one of the vital primary consumers of offal, have evolved within the final two months, volumes proceed to development neatly beneath earlier years.
Overall exports to China had been recorded at 10,800 t in November, representing 39% of the full export volumes, however 2%, just about 300t, beneath November 2022 ranges.
Shipments to EU-27 locations declined through 1,100 t to twelve,000 t in November in comparison to a 12 months in the past. The biggest declines throughout the EU had been observed in shipments to Netherlands and France.
“The numerous relief in home manufacturing as discussed above will likely be an element at the back of this transformation. The space between UK and EU pricing continues to make UK product much less aggressive at the EU marketplace,” Ms Behera added.
“Call for stays challenged with shoppers taking a wary method. Provides to be had within the primary exporting areas, home manufacturing and value issues will likely be key as we glance out throughout 2024.”