Pig meat is the meat that offers the best potential for exports to non-EU markets, according to a new Brexit report looking at the UK's prospects for meat and dairy products in a global marketplace.
Of the individual meats, it is pig meat that offers the best potential, the report explains. 32 per cent of UK pig meat trade in 2016 went to non-EU markets.
It comes as news that exports of British beef, lamb and pork have surpassed the £500 million mark for the first six months of 2017 – up 18 per cent year-on-year.
The success in exploiting the Chinese market is an example of what can be achieved, the report states.
In August, a new export deal with China was announced that will bring a £200 million boost to the UK food industry and support 1,500 jobs.
Potential in China
Market access was granted in 2011 even though negotiations began in 2004.
The report said this illustrates that it is not all plain sailing and there are a number of external challenges to overcome in securing market access.
The analysis assumes that China will offer the best long term potential but that good prospects exist in other markets.
This applies especially to lower value cuts and offals to South East and East Asia, and West and South Africa.
The report explains that there are also limited opportunities for premium cuts to North America and Australia/New Zealand. There is also potential to supply high quality food service in China and Japan.
The report states that the UK is only 54% self-sufficient in pig meat and so there is also scope for import displacement depending upon the level of external tariffs following Brexit.
'Positive picture'
AHDB’s Head of Livestock Export Trade Development Jean-Pierre Garnier said the latest figures 'paint a positive picture' for the meat export industry.
“It is very encouraging to see an increase in exports to non-EU countries and a strong progression in value as this is an important area for our meat exports with the challenge of Brexit,” Mr Garnier explained.
“AHDB recognises the importance of developing balanced international trade that does not rely solely on the EU, but we also cannot underestimate the importance of Europe as two-thirds of our meat exports are still destined for the EU.
“However, we understand the challenges that our meat industry faces and we must look at new exports deals and continue to work towards securing access to third countries.”
