In a significant development, British pork is poised to reach Mexican dining tables following the UK’s successful negotiation for long-term access to this expanding market.
With the pork consumption in Mexico projected to grow by 5.4% annually from 2019 to 2024, this agreement is expected to generate approximately £19 million within the first five years.
The twelve participating businesses, including Cranswick Country Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride, are now also positioned to export offal and edible by-products. This will provide British pig farmers an opportunity to earn from parts less favored by UK consumers.
Sustaining and expanding the export market is essential for optimizing the value of British pig carcasses, ultimately helping to bolster prices for UK farmers.
This deal culminates from eight years of negotiations between UK and Mexican authorities, spearheaded by Defra. It aligns with the UK Government’s Plan for Change, which outlines ambitious goals aimed at stimulating economic growth by the end of the Parliament cycle.
In response to this announcement, Minister Zeichner called the agreement a “tremendous win”, emphasizing its role in furthering the UK’s recent success in resuming pork exports to China.
“It demonstrates this government’s unwavering commitment to securing better trade deals for British farmers and food producers and will boost their incomes as part of our Plan for Change,” Zeichner remarked.
Looking ahead, this deal creates pathways for future opportunities for British exporters. Notably, the 20% tariffs on pork are set to vanish once Mexico ratifies the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
“Opening the Mexican market to British pork is a tangible example of what good trade policy can deliver,” stated Marco Forgione, Director General of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade.
“It rewards years of work to prove our world-class standards on food safety, animal welfare, and traceability. With pork consumption in Mexico growing robustly, the £19 million forecast over five years is significant, but the true goal is to establish lasting relationships ensuring a permanent place for British products on Mexican plates.”
“This achievement also highlights the advantages of the UK joining the CPTPP. As a founding member, Mexico strengthens trade relationships by reducing tariffs and clarifying regulations for agri-food exports.”
“Market access marks the beginning. Exporters will need support to navigate logistics, forge local partnerships, and meet customer expectations. Agreements like this can help our agri-food sector diversify and thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. The opportunity exists, and we must equip British businesses with the necessary tools to seize it.”
This announcement comes on the heels of the UK Government’s Trade Strategy, which emphasizes practical agreements that deliver prompt benefits to UK enterprises.
The 12 sites include:
- Cranswick Country Foods PLC – Hull, Watton and Ballymena
- Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd – Spalding and Westerleigh, Bristol
- Thermotraffic Ltd – Wrexham
- Magnavale Chesterfield Ltd – Chesterfield
- ABP Cold Store – Hull
- Americold Spalding Ltd – Spalding
- Turners (Soham) Ltd – Suffolk
- Karro Food Group – Cookstown
- Interfrigo Ltd – Antrim
