In the first nine months of 2018, French pork exports increased by 12,700 tonnes (4%) year-on-year, to total 319,000 tonnes, according to the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
AHDB analyst Bethan Wilkins said that however, exports in the third quarter actually fell 7% compared to year earlier levels. Despite some volume growth early in the year, the total value of French pork exports for the January-September period totalled €559.3 million, down 8% on the year.
“The changing fortunes of EU shipments have been responsible for the downturn in export performance. Shipments to other EU member states grew by 8% for the nine month period overall, with the growth primarily driven by Italy. However, in the third quarter volumes turned to a 10% decline. Despite the downturn, Italy remained the main destination for French pork during this period, but volumes were down 13% year-on-year to just under 24,000 tonnes (24% of total shipments). French pork destined for Hungary also declined by over 50% in the third quarter (-2,500 tonnes), whilst Croatia recorded a drop of almost 60% compared to the same period in 2017.”
