Between January and June this year, more than half of the 108,294t of UK pigmeat exported to non-EU countries went to China, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has said.

Based on the latest data from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the AHDB said pigmeat exports to China are at £88 million so far this year.

Following China is the Philippines, which the AHDB said has become the third-largest importer of pork from the UK.

Shipments to the Philippines were valued at £25.9 million in the first six months of the year – up 14.8% compared to the same period last year, the board added.

And, it said, Japan is becoming a valuable export market for the UK’s red meat sector, with shipments of both pigmeat and beef significantly up on last year.

“Asian markets continue to prove a hugely valuable market for the UK’s red meat sector, despite many challenges on the global stage this year," said AHDB's head of exports Jonathan Eckley.

“We will continue to work with government and levy payers to open more new markets in the Far East and develop the region further, including attendance at trade shows to showcase the high-quality red meat we produce here in the UK.

“This week, AHDB is with a number of exporters at southeast Asia’s largest food show in Singapore. By growing these markets, our farmers and producers will benefit from the many opportunities overseas trade can offer.”