This was a 10 per cent increase on the same period a year earlier.

Strong export volumes to China once again were the main factor behind this growth, with shipment volumes up 76 per cent in May on 2015 levels.

Exports to Ireland and Germany recorded decreases of 7 per cent on last year, while shipments to the United States, Hong Kong and the Philippines all saw strong growth, with volumes to the Philippines increasing over seven-fold on May 2015.

The value of UK exports of fresh/frozen pork increased by 25 per cent in May, to £16.7 million, on May 2015. This was assisted by the strong pig price in China, and a rise in shipments of high value cuts to countries such as the United States.

Offal exports also increased in May, up 39 per cent to 6.2 thousand tonnes. Shipments to China almost doubled, and other Asian markets also recorded strong growth.

Imports of fresh/frozen pork were up 23 per cent on May 2015, to 33.7 thousand tonnes. This increase was driven by Danish shipments, which doubled in May 2016, versus the same period a year earlier.

However, the average unit price is still 6 per cent behind the same period last year, despite rising pig prices in the UK and EU. The decrease in bacon imports was driven by falling shipment volumes from the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany.