Pigmeat exports from EU gain importance

According to figures by the German market and price analyst, ZMP, competition had intensified in the pigmeat market last year.

1.9 million tonnes of pigmeat was exported in 2007, which includes bacon, fats and also exports of pigs and sows.

The high Euro compared to the US dollar also had a significant impact, especially as pigmeat is traded in dollars outside the EU.

Competition from US
Worldwide, the second-largest exporter of pork is the US, which exported 1.3 million tonnes last year. The country's exports to Japan increased by 6% in the same period.

Of the EU-27, Denmark exported about 520 000 tonnes outside the EU. Germany and the Netherlands followed with 330 000 and 210 000 tonnes, respectively

After falls in export volume to Japan and Russia, the EU recorded slight gains to Asia, especially China and Hong Kong. The ZMP report expects this trend to continue in the coming year. East Europe, too, is thought to have good export potential.

Related website:

• ZMP

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