BMPA CEO John Powell recently joined AHDB and other UK representatives at the International Meat Secretariat’s World Pork Conference in Qingdao, China, bringing together industry leaders, policy makers and businesses from the major pork-producing countries. IMS Secretary General, Dr Phil Hadley MBE said: “The IMS World Pork Conference gathered over 500 industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the key issues and opportunities facing the sector. From trade to animal health, production to consumption, the event facilitated global exchange and sought a way forward for the industry leveraging science and modern processing technology.”

The conference provided a useful snapshot of how quickly the Chinese market is changing. Domestic production has strengthened, efficiency is improving and global competition is intensifying, particularly from South America and the EU.

For UK exporters, that means China is becoming a more challenging market, but it remains strategically important. It still accounts for a significant share of UK pigmeat exports and continues to play an important role in the overall value of the UK carcase.

There were also some encouraging signs. While China’s total pigmeat imports have reduced as domestic supply has increased, the UK’s share of Chinese pigmeat and offal imports increased during the first part of 2026.

Maintaining strong commercial relationships will therefore be critical. Ahead of the conference, AHDB hosted representatives from major Chinese importing companies in the UK, giving them direct exposure to British farms, processors, production standards and butchery. The delegation also included senior representation from CFNA, whose members account for a substantial proportion of China’s import trade.

The wider discussions in Qingdao also underlined the factors likely to shape the market over the coming years, including changing global trade flows, geopolitical pressures and animal disease risks such as African swine fever.

The overall message for UK processors is that China remains a major market, but one that will require continued engagement, strong market positioning and a clear understanding of where British pork can remain competitive.

For a flavour of the event, members can watch the Farmers Guardian video from China. There is also a longer Farmers Guardian podcast discussion with AHDB on the outlook for the Chinese pork market and Jonathan Eckley’s reflections on the World Pork Conference.