Marked rise in EU pig meat exports

The European Union (EU) exported over 1 million tonnes of pig meat in the first six months of 2008, representing an increase of more than 40 percent compared with exports in the same period of 2007.

Exports of frozen pork to Russia doubled to 142,000 tonnes, aided by the availability of export refunds. More frozen pork was shipped to Japan and Hong Kong, and the Ukraine has emerged as an important destination. In contrast, less was exported to South Korea and the United States than last year. The rise in exports of pig offal this year is primarily the result of increased trade with Hong Kong, Russia, and China. At 167,000 tonnes, exports to Hong Kong were almost double the volume exported in January-June 2007.

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Data available from Danske Slagterier shows Danish exports of pig meat have risen by 15 percent in the first half of 2008, with shipments to both Japan and Russia up 10 percent. There was more than a 60 percent increase in exports to China, mostly offal (36,000 tonnes).

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Germany has also exported more pig meat outside of the EU this year, with chilled and frozen pork exports to Russia doubled to 28,000 tonnes. Russia has also become a major destination for French pork exports, up from 3,000 to 23,000 tonnes. German exports of pig offal to Hong Kong have doubled to 66,000 tonnes.