UK pork exports continued to increase into June with volumes up 26%, to 18.4 thousand tonnes, on the year earlier, according to AHDB Pork.
Chinese shipments continued to be the main driver behind this growth, with volumes up 81%.
Exports to Ireland were also up 28%, while shipments to Denmark, largely for re-export, increased 30% on June 2015.
While smaller in absolute volume, higher value US exports more than doubled.
The value of UK exports increased ahead of volume, up 30% to £45.9 million, on June 2015.
A growth of shipments to China capitalising on the strong pig price, coupled with increased shipments of higher value cuts to the US, assisted this value growth.
Offal shipments continued to grow, up 11% to 5.9 thousand tonnes, on the year earlier.
Exports to China accounted for over half of the volume, and grew by 11%.
Although from a smaller base, shipments to the Philippines almost trebled versus June 2015.
'Considerable inroads' to world markets
The National Pig Association has said that British pork has made "considerable inroads to world markets" over the past two years.
"We are confident this will continue, as a result of British pork's premium characteristics," the NPA said.
Key among British pork's sales assets in global markets, particularly in China, are its rigorous safety and regulatory credentials, its high welfare characteristics, and its ability to provide different genetics for different price points ranging from modern indoor production to straw-barns to outdoor-reared and outdoor free-range.
"British pork's safety and regulatory credentials are underpinned by regular Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured audits.
"And its unique welfare proposition includes no castration, no gestation stalls, and independent Real Welfare audits where vets score pigs for welfare indicators," the NPA said.
