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China lifts export restrictions on key pork plants in major boost to UK pig sector – Pig World

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China lifts export restrictions on key pork plants in major boost to UK pig sector – Pig World

In a najor boost to UK pork producers, China has lifted restrictions on unprocessed pork exports from UK processing plants that were imposed during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Major UK producers have got the green light to restart their exports immediately, with industry experts estimating this could boost revenues by around £80 million. 

China imported around £180 million worth of pigmeat in 2023 alone, making it the UK’s biggest non-EU customer. Now, with these restrictions lifted on major plants, including Cranswick’s Watton facility, more British porknproducts 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, AHDB and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP).

Massive win

Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner 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 Douglas Alexander 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, 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.”

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.

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