France exported more pork to Italy in Q1
In the first quarter of this year, the growth of French pork exports was based in particular on the trade with France's main pork importer, Italy. Pork exports to this country accounted for a quarter of total volumes.
AHDB analyst Bethan Wilkins says that, based on French customs data, pork shipments increased by nearly 50% to Italy in Q1 thanks to an increase in demand in this market, with the latest consumer panel data indicating pig meat sales volumes were 0.6% higher year-on-year in the first quarter of 2018.
On the other hand, France saw a drop in shipments of pork to China of 14% (-2,000 tonnes) in the mentioned period. Wilkins explained that this drop offset some of the expansion to most other markets, and meant shipments to non-EU markets were 6% lower overall at 28,400 tonnes.
Still, trade with a number of smaller markets was positive, with shipments increasing by 1,000 tonnes of pork per market (the Philippines, the Netherlands, Poland, Bulgaria and Germany).
Average prices for pork in France were lower in the mentioned period, due to higher pork supply on the European market. France's output increased by 4% in Q1 2018 compared to the corresponding period from the previous year.
"However consumer panel data continues to indicate declining French demand. This likely meant export growth was required to clear the market, with associated price cuts. As such, the total value of French pork exports only increased 6% year-on-year, to €200.7 million," Wilkins added.
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