UK pig meat trade remained resilient in the first half of 2026, with stronger exports and lower imports boosting self-sufficiency, despite softer trade flows in Q2 and ongoing global market uncertainty, informs AHDB.
Import volumes increase marginally on Q1 levels
Imports of pig meat (including offal) into the UK increased by 1% in the second quarter (Q2) compared to the first quarter (Q1) of 2026. However, when compared to the same period in 2025, volumes were back by 8%.
Import volumes from Denmark were down 12% quarter-on-quarter to 31,000 tonnes in Q2. The volume imported from Germany continued to grow, up by 3% in Q2 compared to Q1 as trade recovers following earlier restrictions.
Volumes from the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain and Poland rose in Q2 compared to Q1 but remained lower year-on-year.
Looking at cuts, the volume of bacon imported dropped by a further 3% quarter-on-quarter.
Volumes of bacon in UK retail dropped by 4.7% year-on-year in the 12 weeks ending 12 July. These declines could be influenced by consumers shifting away from more heavily processed / ultra-processed foods.
Overall, despite growth in Q2, UK pig meat import volumes were 5.6% lower year-on-year for the first half of 2026, at just over 350,000 tonnes.
This comes as while the UK-EU reference pig price differential has narrowed, it remains on the wider end of historical ranges, averaging 40p in Q2.
Greater supply in the UK has likely contributed to smaller import volumes. When considering domestic production, import and export volumes, the UK’s self-sufficiency (domestic production as a percentage of available supply) has increased to 66% in the first half of 2026, up from 61% in the first half of 2025.
Export volumes drop after a bumper Q1 but stay strong historically
Exports of pig meat from the UK dropped by 4% in Q2 2026 compared to the high levels of Q1. Despite the quarterly fall, volumes remain elevated year-on-year.
The 84,700 tonnes exported over Q2 brought UK export volumes for the first half of the year to 173,200 tonnes, up 11% year-on-year. This was valued at £267.2 million, up 5% from the year before.
Export to China rose by 3% in Q2 compared to Q1, totalling 34,200 tonnes. Fresh and frozen pork continues to make up a larger proportion of this volume, accounting for 43%, up from 34% a year ago. The remainder is offal. For the first half of the year, total pig meat volumes to China have dropped by 3% overall.
The quantity exported to the EU dropped by 11% over Q2, with quantities to Ireland, Denmark, Germany and France all falling. However, when compared to Q2 2025, EU volumes were up 15%.
This brought the total volume of pig meat exported to the EU for the first half of the year to 73,100 tonnes, up 19%. During the first half of 2026, the volume exported to the EU was greater than that to China.
Elsewhere, shipments to the Philippines grew by 7% quarter-on-quarter, bringing year-to-date volumes up by 8% year-on-year.
Exports to South Africa grew by 14% quarter-on-quarter, with most growth in offal.
Increased domestic supply supports the export boost, driven by heavier carcase weights and higher slaughter numbers.
Looking forward
Disease remains a big issue for global pig meat supply and trade.
In the Philippines, ongoing disease challenges have prompted a 150,000 tonne increase in import quotas. While this presents additional market opportunities, competition is likely to be intense, particularly from low-cost exporters such as Brazil.
Outbreaks of foot and mouth and ASF in South Africa have disrupted domestic production and are driving import demand, which may continue to present opportunities for the UK if supply constraints continue.
Conversely, Chinese demand has softened. Lower pig prices and a contracting sow herd following a period of oversupply have reduced import requirements. As China takes less UK product, particularly offal, the UK continues to pursue alternative markets within Asia, although competition will be present from others looking to do the same. The impact of EU anti-dumping tariffs will be another key watchpoint for markets.
ASF remains one of the biggest risks to the UK pig sector. An outbreak would have significant implications for both domestic production and export access. Regionalisation agreements, such as those used in Spain, could help limit trade disruption.
