September 27, 2022

UK beef imports in July slow down, exports remain stable

The UK imported 17,400 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef in July this year, 9.1% lower compared to the month before and 2,600 tonnes on 13% down year-on-year, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

Irish imports fell by 3,600 tonnes during this decline, which represents a 24% decrease from the same month last year. Other significant nations with lower imports included the Netherlands (-380 tonnes), Poland (-199 tonnes), Spain (-187 tonnes), and Uruguay (-187 tonnes) (-103 tonnes).

But there were 1,700 more tonnes imported from Germany in July of this year compared to July of last year, a rise of 592%. Historically smaller UK import partners like Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay saw increases as well.

In comparison to the same period in 2021, the UK imported 134,500 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef between January and July. Since last year, imports from Germany have increased significantly (+7,700 tonnes, a five-fold increase), accounting for 7% of all imports thus far this year (historically, Germany has supplied between 2-5% of UK beef imports).

Since late 2021, imports from the Netherlands have been declining (although they are still increasing by 7% annually). Volumes from Poland and Brazil have both continued to increase (but from a smaller base).

9,600 tonnes were exported in total in July, a decrease of 298 tonnes (3%) from June. Most significantly, there was a 442-ton reduction in shipments to Ireland and the Netherlands. Despite these losses, other destinations, such as France (223 tonnes), Poland (96 tonnes), and Japan, saw an increase in shipments (94 tonnes). Total UK beef exports increased slightly (0.2%) in July compared to the same month last year.

Overall exports for the year to date have reached 74,200 tonnes, up 19,600 tonnes (36%) from the previous year. Exports increased within this to France (11.2 tonnes), the Netherlands (6.450 tonnes), Ireland (4.270 tonnes), Spain (1.370 tonnes), and Germany (1,285 tonnes). Shipments to the Philippines and Hong Kong have decreased (down 3,900 tonnes and 2,800 tonnes, respectively).

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board