The UK exported £19 million worth of red meat to the US in the first eight months of the year according to the latest data from HMRC, with over 4,600 tonnes of pig meat exported to the US – up nearly ten per cent on last year, worth £14 million to the pork sector.
AHDB senior export manager for the Americas Susana Morris noted the high pork prices in the US compared to a year earlier due to tight supplies and a lack of market-ready pigs, tighter production schedules and strong demand has led to lower stocks in cold storage.
“This combined with the suspension of the 25 per cent tariff earlier this year has given our exporters a fantastic boost and we look forward to seeing these figures increase,” she commented.
Exports of pork have also grown in other North American markets this year, with Canada pork shipments up 54 per cent to 1,183 tonnes, worth £5.4 million.
Ms Morris added: “The North American markets continue to be a key focus for AHDB exports and will continue to target these important regions to create new opportunities for our exporters over the coming year.”