European pork imports hit a bottom low in October

Pork imports into the European Union (EU) reached an almost historical low in October 2011, as only 1,400 metric tons were shipped to the 27 countries.

Extreme low was February 2005 when 1,000 metric tons were imported. Total imports until October 2011 this year now comes down to 29,565 metric tons, which a 14.8% year-on-year decrease.

In comparison, exports from the EU zone was 290,000 metric tons on October alone – which was preceded by 325,000 metric tons in September. Total EU exports in 2011 including October are now estimated to be 2.66 million metric tons.

This is a 21.1% rise in comparison to 2010 when a total of 2.2 million metric tons was achieved.