Pork farmers penalised by Russian export ban

UK pork farmers may face pressure to lower prices due to a Russian retaliatory ban on food imports from a number of Western countries.

"This will increase competition on global markets," said Mick Sloyan, director of BPEX, the UK trade body for pork producers. "It may also have a knock-on effect on the EU market and, hence, the UK," he added, in a story for the BBC.

The ban which came into in early August bars imports from countries which have imposed sanctions on Russia, is expected to last at least a year, and includes the EU, US, Australia, Canada and Norway.

Jimmy Butler, owner of Blythburgh Free range Pork, told The Caterer: "The ban does affect us, as although we don't export directly to Russia, they are refusing to take anything from anyone and we all have stock designed specifically for these markets.

"By banning imports, Russia creates a glut in Europe, which creates a glut in the UK. Gluts cause prices to drop," he added.

Russia imports around 90% of its pork with Canada supplying 40% of that. The ban means that those farmers will now have to find alternative markets.

Butler confirmed that the industry was already in a fairly weak position with pork prices already falling in some regions.