September 15, 2004

UK Sheep Meat Exports Continue To Grow
 

UK sheep meat exports have continued to grow in the first six months of the year, according to the Meat and Livestock Commission.

This is seen in spite of limited supplies, weaker demand in the most important markets and a more difficult exchange rate position. Latest figures from the English Beef and Lamb Executive show that UK sheep meat exports for the first half of the year reached a total of 32,600 tons, around half coming from English-based exporters.

The figures represented a rise of just over four per cent on the previous year and an increase of almost exactly a third on 2002. However the rate of year-on-year export expansion has slowed from that achieved in the first half of 2003, thereby reflecting the more challenging trading conditions.

MLC sheep economics manager Jane Connor said: "Overall UK lamb availability in the half year was down by around two per cent on 2003. At the same time, demand in the principal French export market was very flat. And sterling's progressive strengthening against the euro substantially reduced competitiveness, most notably with Spain and Ireland who provided stiff competition at certain times.

"Particularly heartening to see was the continued rise in the export volumes to France, which has seen three consecutive annual declines in sheep meat demand, with 2003 consumption down three per cent on 2002 and remaining weak throughout the first half of this year." Changing lifestyles in France were clearly resulting in underlying decline in expenditure on food in general and meat in particular," said Ms Connor.