AHDB WILL host a series of export webinars beginning next month, exploring the impact of coronavirus on global trade.

The online series has been scheduled as a replacement to the organisation's annual export conference, which has been cancelled due to the current circumstances.

Meat exporters are encouraged to tune in to the first webinar at 2pm on June 3, which will primarily focus on the Asian marketplace – a region which is crucial for the UK’s pork exports and will have an increased impact on the beef sector longer term.

The hour-long event entitled ‘COVID-19 impacts on global trade’ will provide valuable insight into the global challenges and opportunities for UK meat exports as well as an in-depth look at key markets in Asia.

The webinar will include a presentation from Meat Director at global consultants GIRA, Rupert Claxton, who will discuss the likely impact to meat trade in key regions and suggest how markets will respond and react over time.

AHDB’s international market development director Dr Phil Hadley and Jonathan Eckley, head of Asia Pacific, will discuss the current situation in markets, such as China, and the ongoing work of AHDB to maximise UK meat exports around the world.

Dr Hadley commented: “The whole world is feeling the effects of coronavirus and the UK red meat sector is no exception. In this first webinar we will focus primarily on the Asian marketplace – a hugely important region for UK meat exports, not least the pork sector which is the protein of choice across the region.

“We are delighted that Rupert has agreed to provide some valuable insight into the current situation by means of a study that has been commissioned by industry and AHDB which gives an overall picture of the impact coronavirus is having on global trade.”

To register for the webinar, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/events/webinar-covid-19-impacts-on-global-trade