June 27, 2022

UK beef imports in April 10% up year-on-year

The UK imported 20,000 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef in April 2022, 10% up or 1,800 tonnes year-on-year thanks to Irish volumes, The UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

Irish beef production increased overall by 11% (1,600 tonnes), especially of frozen boneless beef. Shipments also rose from Germany and Belgium but from smaller bases.

The UK imported 58,000 tonnes of beef in the first quarter of 2022, a decrease from the previously reported 77,400 tonnes and a 30% increase over the same period in 2017.

This meant that, compared to the same period last year, a total of 78,000 tonnes of beef were imported into the UK in the first four months of this year. These shipments had a total value of GBP 391.6 million (~US$481.3 million; GBP 1 = US$1.23) after a 20% increase in the average price.

Volumes of beef leaving the UK increased by 53% year over year in April to 10,700 tonnes. Nevertheless, this was a 17% decrease from March. The main drivers of annual growth remained increased shipments to France and the Netherlands, with more beef also going to Ireland.

As a result, UK beef exports from January to April totaled 42,500 tonnes, up 57% from the same time last year. These shipments now have a value of GBP 169.1 million (~US$207.8 million) thanks to a 23% increase in their average price.

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board