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Chilean market opens for UK pork exporters

UK pork producers are able to export to Chile for the first time, in a move estimated to be £ 20m in the first five years of trade. This follows UK pork access to Mexico and Taiwan.

The new market creates new export opportunities for the pork industry as the government, the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) continue to work to develop market access opportunities as part of the work for the sector to support.

This builds on measures including the launch of a direct review of the fairness and supply chain in the pig sector, using the power under the Agricultural Law 2020.

Agriculture Minister Victoria Prentis has held several roundtables with farmers and industry representatives and talked to the agricultural leaders at the big banks to ensure they show pig farmers as much flexibility as possible. The government additionally introduced a Private Storage Aid Scheme, Slaughter Incentive Payment Scheme, and a special temporary visa scheme for pork butchers.

The UK exports £ 339m of pork in 2021, with over two-thirds to non-EU destinations demonstrating the value of new markets. Chilean authorities have now opened their markets to 27 companies across the UK, including those in Angus, Armagh, Wrexham and Suffolk.

Agriculture Minister Victoria Prentis said:

The pork sector faces a number of challenges and we must make use of all the leverage available to us. That includes new export markets, and it’s great to open the Chilean market to our pork producers.

This will be worth £ 20m over the next five years and will build on other measures we have put in place to strengthen the industry.

UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Richard Irvine said:

It’s fantastic to see another market open its doors to open high quality UK products. Gaining pork market access to Chile still represents a success for the UK industry and strengthens our global reputation for excellence.

AHDB International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley said:

This announcement is the latest in a series of successful market access gains for the red meat sector and is another example of the high respect and reputation that our products dominate overseas.

Opening the UK pork market to Chile after gaining access to Mexico will give our pork farmers and processors another valuable market to sell their products to, a much-needed boost to the sector in difficult times.

The Chile market is open to all UK exporters approved by the Chilean authorities. Through the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign, the UK government aims to increase the international profile and reputation of food and beverages from across the UK and more food and beverage companies to export their products abroad.