Pig meat imports




Pig meat imports

The UK is a net importer of pig meat. Volumes of pork imports have been increasing since the early 1980s, and in 2006 they are now at 478,000 tonnes. While bacon imports have been more stable at on avg 260,000 tonnes..



Imports of live pigs have soared in recent years, totalling about 558,000 head in 2005. Imports come almost entirely from the Irish Republic and these are primarily breeding sows, which have a trade value of £31.8m Imports of fresh and frozen pork have risen significantly since the early 1980s to over 477,000 tonnes in 2006. As a result of a dramatic fall in production levels and relatively stable consumption, the import requirement has grown over the years. Imports of bacon have risen to a lesser extent and in 2006 totalled 263,000 tonnes.



Main suppliers of pig meat The primary source of pork in 2005 is still Denmark, supplying 42% in 2005. The Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium and Irish Republic being the other main contributors. Netherlands and Denmark are the main importers of bacon and ham, at 50% and 33% respectively.France, Italy and Germany also supply a proportion of bacon and ham imports. Some of the pork imported from Denmark is subsequently cured for bacon and ham. Main cuts supplied Over one-third of pork is supplied in fresh/chilled bone-in form. A further 20 per cent is of higher value, boneless cuts, with this element increasing year-on-year. In total, 75 per cent of product is provided as fresh/chilled as opposed to frozen. Imports of processed hams/shoulders from the EU = 50,500 tonnes Mainly from Denmark, 18,500 tonnes, followed by the Irish Republic with 9,200 tonnes and the Netherlands with 5,300. Value of Trade Imports of Processed hams/shoulders = £158.1million Imports of sausages from the EU = 59,700 tonnes With 50% coming from mainly Germany and the Netherlands at 16,000 and 14,000 tonnes respectively. Value of trade Sausage imports = £144.4million Import regulations Pigs and pig meat imported from third countries are subject to the payment of import tariffs. Since 1995 import tariffs have been reduced annually in line with the World Trade Organisation agreement. There are schemes that allow a small amount of pig meat into the EU at a reduced or zero rate of import tariff. An import licence must be applied before importing any pigs or pig meat from third countries.

For more information: Services, publications and websites Defra information on International trade: Imports Defra International Trade information on Imports - General Licences Business Link - Practical Advice on whether an import or export licence is required