July 25, 2018

UK red meat exports rise 7% in first 5 months

UK red meat exports increased 7% to more than 183,000 tonnes during the period January to May, compared with the same period last year. They were valued at over £487 million (US$640.67 million).  

As per AHDB, the strongest performer was fresh and frozen beef, with exports rising 18% in value. Main importers of UK beef during the first five months were Ireland, the Netherlands and France, with purchases worth more than £120 million combined.

Pork exports rose 3% in value, despite a small dip in volume. China remained the key market for UK pig meat exports, accounting for 22% of the total volume. According to the AHDB senior exports manager for livestock, Jonathan Eckley, China has created a tough environment for UK pork exports as demand for pig meat in that country has slowed this year. 

Exports of sheep meat during the referenced period rose nearly 1% in value to £145 million, driven by high lamb prices, but volume slightly fell. France remained the UK's biggest market for sheep exports, worth £61 million. The average value per tonne of sheep meat exports in January-May rose 10% on year-earlier levels.

"It has been a good start to the year for the UK's red meat exports despite many challenges we have faced which includes tight supplies for sheep meat, which has driven up lamb prices", said Jonathan Eckley, AHDB senior exports manager for livestock.