July 19, 2022

UK beef imports, export volumes up year-on-year

Data from the UK's Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs showed the country imported 13% higher fresh and frozen beef and exported 29% higher volumes of beef in May 2022, compared to the same month last year, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

In May, the UK imported 19,700 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef, which is 3% less than in April but 13% (2,300 tonnes) more than in May 2021.

Although more beef also arrived from the Netherlands and France, shipments increased primarily from Germany and Ireland year over year. Lower volumes from Uruguay, New Zealand, Italy, and Spain were outweighed by these increases.

Beef imports for the first five months of the year (Jan.-May) totaled 98,100 tonnes, up 22% (17,800 tonnes) from the same time last year. When it comes to cuts, boneless beef has seen the most growth, while carcasses have lost some volume share.

The average cost of these shipments from January to May 2022 increased by 20% from the previous year, bringing the overall value to GBP 498.4 million (~US$595.4 million; GBP 1 = US$1.19), 47% up year-on-year.

With 11,000 tonnes shipped, UK beef exports continued their strong performance in May. Volumes were up 29% (2,500 tonnes) from May 2021 despite being down 3% from April.

Exports to France, the Netherlands, and Spain saw the biggest year-over-year growth in export volumes. This outweighed lower shipments for the month to Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Shipments for the first five months of the year (Jan.-May) totaled 54,000 tonnes, up 52% from the same time last year. Growth occurred in all categories, including carcase, boneless, and bone-in. These shipments were worth a total of GBP 222.3 million (~US$265.5 million), nearly doubling year over year, with an increase in the average export price of 25%.

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board