£19 million British pork deal signed with Mexico

British pork is set to be served up on Mexican tables following the UK’s successful bid to secure long-term access to this growing market.

With consumption in Mexico’s pork market growing by 5.4% annually between 2019 and 2024, it’s estimated this deal will bring in around £19 million over the first five years.

British pork is renowned for its exceptional quality and high welfare standards, so it’s no surprise to see global demand continuing to grow.
Daniel Zeichner, minister for food security and rural affairs

The 12 businesses, which includes Cranswick Country Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride sites, will also now be able to export offal and edible by-products, bringing British pig farmers a return on parts that are less popular among UK consumers.

Sustaining and growing the export market is essential for optimising the full value of British pig carcasses, which in turn helps strengthen prices for UK farmers at the farm gate.

The deal follows eight years of negotiations between Mexican and UK authorities led by Defra and is part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, which sets out several ambitions Labour wants to reach by the end of Parliament, including ‘kickstarting economic growth’.

Commenting on the news, the minister for food security and rural affairs, Daniel Zeichner called the deal a “tremendous win” and one which builds on the UK’s recent success in resuming 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 added.

The deal will also pave the way for future opportunities for British exporters, with 20% tariffs on pork set to disappear 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,” added director general of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, Marco Forgione.

“It rewards years of work to prove our world‑class standards on food safety, animal welfare and traceability. With pork consumption in Mexico growing strongly, the £19 million forecast over the next five years is welcome, but the real prize is building long‑term, trusted relationships that secure a permanent place for British produce on Mexican plates.

“This achievement also reflects the benefits of the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership. Mexico is a founding member of CPTPP and the framework strengthens trade ties by lowering tariffs and creating clearer rules for agri‑food exports.

“Market access is only the first step. Exporters will need support to navigate logistics, build local partnerships and understand customer expectations. Deals like this can help our agri‑food sector diversify and grow in a fast‑changing global market. The opportunity is there and we must ensure British businesses have the tools to take it.”

The news of this deal follows the launch of the UK Government’s Trade Strategy, with a focus on practical deals that deliver faster benefits to UK businesses.