UK pork processors seek government support

British pork processors are asking the government for £15m ($20.7m) to cover losses from exports to China . Some of the processors hit by the coronavirus outbreak have lost access to the Chinese market and are experiencing financial difficulties, according to the Financial Times.

The industry estimates that 1 million pig carcasses were not exported due to the suspension of exports of some parts to the Chinese market, while parts such as hooves and heads remained in the domestic market, where there is not much demand for them. “Margins in the meat industry are very low even at the best of times. So finding markets for things like pig heads is critical,” said Nick Allen, Executive Director of the British Meat Processors Association.

Pig producers are also asking the government for £3.2m ($4.42m) financial support to help them deal with the impact of a backlog of pig slaughter on farms due to post-Brexit trade locks.

“While there are a small number of businesses that are currently unable to export pork to China, this problem is not unique to the UK. We are aware of the challenges facing the sector and are monitoring the situation closely. Defra will continue to support affected businesses by working closely with British industry and the British Embassy in Beijing to ensure exports resume,” Defra said in a statement.

China imposed its first ban on pork imports from the UK last June and is not taking a step back on the matter, arguing that the virus can resist cold temperatures and can be transmitted through food or packaging. Other pork suppliers to the Chinese market, such as the Netherlands and Brazil, have also been affected by similar measures.