Pork exports drop sharply by 28.7%

In the first quarter of 2022, the export from the EU to third countries was significantly lower than a year earlier. The export decreased with no less than 28,7%. The decline in exports to China is the main reason for this.

Figures from the European Commission show that in the first quarter of 2022 a total of 1.14 million tonnes of pork was exported to third countries by 27 member states. Exports were 459,400 tonnes lower than in the first quarter of 2021. The export revenue decreased by €977 million (-28.5%) to €2.46 billion.

China biggest cause

The European Commission cites the collapse of pork exports to China as one of the biggest causes of this decline. Exports to China fell by 63.1% to 353,300 tonnes, compared to 605,000 tonnes previously. China's own production of pork increased by 14%. European export income from China fell by EUR 1.38 billion in one year to EUR 641 million.