Mexico opens new market for UK pork exports
© Tim Scrivener The UK pig industry will be able to export products to Mexico for the first time following a new trade deal announced on 2 September.
Market access to Mexico has the potential to be worth up to £50m to UK pork producers during the first five years of trade, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
In 2020, UK pork was exported to 75 different markets at a value of more than £421m.
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The British pork sector is facing many challenges, with staff shortages in the supply chain and low prices in the domestic market. Many producers are making a loss so access to new markets is good news.
Adam Couch, chief executive at Cranswick, said: “We welcome the move, as we would welcome anything that would open up international markets; it’s hugely important to us given the current state of affairs.”
Boost for UK pork industry
AHDB international market development director Phil Hadley said: “Today’s announcement is a fantastic boost for the UK’s pork industry and offers another potential export market for our red meat during a challenging year.
“Pork from the UK is trusted and favoured worldwide due to its exceptional quality, high welfare and food safety standards. This new approval will offer a wealth of opportunities for our exporters and is a testament to the hard work of industry and government to open new markets as we look to the future.”
Defra secretary of state George Eustice said: “Access to the Mexican market, with its substantial demand for high-quality pork, will be a welcome boost for our pig farmers and producers.
“This is a significant development, which will reinforce our global reputation for quality food and drink.”
Negotiations for a trade deal between the UK and Mexico have been in progress for more than four years, with inspections at processing sites and cold store facilities in the UK taking place in February 2020.