Recovery of the breeding stock
According to AHDB forecasts, the number of sows in the UK in June 2025 increased by almost 3% year-on-year, continuing the trend recorded in December 2024. At the same time, experts note that the industry will only return to 2022 levels in 2027, as uncertainty in government policy is holding back long-term investment.
Consumption and market balance
In the first half of 2025, retail pork sales increased by 1.3%, while catering establishments recorded a decline of 1.5%. Overall, consumption is expected to increase by 1.1% in 2025. AHDB emphasises that in 2025, the British pork market remained relatively balanced, while global trade was characterised by ‘turbulence and unpredictability.’
Exports to China are the main driver of growth
China plays a key role in the development of British exports. In the first five months of 2025, shipments there increased by 5%, reaching 129,500 tonnes. In contrast, imports of pork and by-products to the UK fell by 3% in January-May, partly due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe at the beginning of the year.
Entry into the Mexican market
Another breakthrough for the industry was the opening of long-term access to the Mexican market. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: ‘From chile verde to tacos de buche — British pork will now be on Mexican tables.’
Twelve companies have been granted permission to export their products, including suppliers of cuts (particularly pork chops) that are well known on the domestic market. Mexico will also be able to supply offal and edible by-products that are in low demand in the UK but highly valued by Mexican consumers.
PigUA.info based on materials from pigprogress.net