In what it describes as a significant development for exporters in the sector, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that Taiwan is to accept imports of British pork.
In a deal which could be worth more than £50 million over the next five years, UK exporters will also be able to ship parts of the pig carcass that are not commonly purchased in the UK, such as offal.
Even better news, Defra says, as this means that UK farmers and pork processors will be able to generate income from the whole carcass.
Exporters will be able to take advantage of the new market once the administrative listing process is completed and export certification is made available.
Speaking for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Dr Phil Hadley said that the estimated value of some £50 million is based on current UK export capacity.
However, he noted, if that were to rise to match the strong demand for pork imports in Taiwan (where in 2017 imports rose by 26%) then the opportunity could be worth more than £100 million over the next five years.
In 2017, UK pork was exported to over 80 markets, generating an estimated £290 million for the economy.
Commenting on the announcement, Food Minister George Eustice said that access to Taiwan is great news for British farmers and producers, and will give a welcome boost to the pork production industry which is already worth £1.3 billion to the UK economy.
