The British pig industry is set for a major boost in exports to China after a trade delegation headed by Prime Minister David Cameron lobbied for approval to export pigs’ trotters to the Asian giant.
Exports of fresh and frozen pork and offal to China were worth about £20 million between January and September this year (a 200% increase on 2012) making it our largest export market outside the EU.
If the deal to send pigs’ trotters to China is agreed, BPEX estimates that it will be worth another £5 million annually in exports.
“We’re doing all we can to ensure that businesses up and down the country reap the rewards from our relationship with China, and that includes our pig farmers,” a Downing Street spokesman said.
“We’re talking to the Chinese about serving up pigs’ trotters on Beijing’s finest dining tables. That would be a real win-win – a multi-million-pound boost for Britain and a gastronomic treat for Chinese diners.”