April 7, 2022

Exports of UK beef to Japan totalled US$2.3 million in January 2022

UK beef exports to Japan were worth GBP 1.78 million (~US$2.3 million; GBP 1 = US$1.31) in January 2022, one-fifth of the total export value in 2021, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reported.

The data from the UK HM Revenue and Customs showed that the UK exported 334 tonnes of beef to Japan in January, compared to only 24 tonnes in January 2021.

The increased volume of exports follows a strong year for UK beef exports to Japan, as volumes were 48% higher last year compared to the year prior. This was worth an additional GBP 9.7 million (~US$12.6 million) to the UK beef industry.

Japan is one of the biggest beef importers in the world. The country imported 585,000 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef worth GBP 2.7 billion (~US$3.5 billion) in 2021.

UK beef was approved for exports to Japan in January 2019.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB Head of Asia Pacific said Japan is an important market, with January providing a financial boost to the UK beef industry.

Eckley said Japan has become a key target market for meat exports, which include beef, pork, and lamb products. He said AHDB has attended trade shows such as Foodex and secured agents to work directly with importers.

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board