Dutch pork exports rose 30% in value and 16% in volume last year, according to a new report on the Dutch farm sector by ABN Amro economists.

The rise is largely due to increased exports to China, where swine fever has decimated local production, the bank’s economists said.

At the same time, the Dutch pig farming sector is contracting, due in part to government measures, and may shrink by as much as 7% next year, the economists say.

Hundreds of farmers have applied for government subsidies to help them close down their businesses. In total €180m has been made available and officials expected no more than 300 claims.

However, at least 450 farmers are known to have applied, and the final total is due to be published later on Thursday.

Sources have suggested that the government may be willing to increase the amount of money available under the scheme to accommodate all pig farmers who meet the strict conditions.

The Netherlands has some 12 million pigs at any one time.