May 4, 2022

UK fresh and frozen beef exports 54% up in February

The UK exported 10,500 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef in February 2022, 54% higher year-on-year and the most beef exported in February since 2011, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

The rise appears to be mostly fueled by an increase in the amount of fresh carcases, particularly those delivered to France, which increased dramatically from the same month in 2021.

Shipments of fresh boneless beef increased as well, primarily to France but also to Ireland. Fresh and frozen shipments to the Netherlands also increased significantly, tripling from the previous year to 1,900 tonnes in February.

In January and February 2021, UK beef exports were at an all-time low, owing to the first shock of the Brexit deadline at the end of 2020. As a result, part of the increased exports in 2022 was because of the low numbers last year.

Exports totaled 17,700 tonnes in the first two months of the year, increasing 55% year-on-year. The average export price increased by 20%, bringing the total value of these cargoes to GBP 66.9 million (~US$83.7 million; GBP 1 = US$1.25).

In February, the UK imported 39,200 tonnes of beef. This is more than three times the quantity imported in February 2021, and it's the highest monthly beef import total in at least 20 years.

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board