June 14, 2004

Irish Food Board Warns UK Will Cut Beef Imports

An Irish Food Board has warned that Ireland's largest export market for beef, the UK, is expected to cut back on imports by as much as 6 percent later this year.

Last year, the British market took nearly 50 percent of Irish beef exports, almost 265,000 tonnes.

It was reported this weekend that there was a 2 percent increase in British beef consumption in the first quarter of the year.

This trend is expected to continue for the rest of the year leading to a marginal rise in consumption to 1.03 million tonnes.

However, this increase will not be sufficient to offset higher domestic production. As a result, UK beef imports are forecast to fall by 4 percent to 310,000 tonnes.

Imports during the first half are expected to be broadly similar to 2003, while during the second half a decline of 6 percent on the same period last year is expected.

However, with over one third of the exports now sold direct to UK retailers, Irish beef is better positioned to maintain sales.