In the first half of 2023, UK red meat exports demonstrated robust growth, as revealed by the analysis of HMRC data showcased in the August 2023 Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) Market Bulletin. The report unveils that the volume of sheep meat exported from the UK surged by 16% year-on-year to reach 43,400 tonnes. The value of these exports also increased by 13% year-on-year, amounting to nearly £280m.
An intriguing highlight of the data is that 94% of the UK’s sheep meat exports were sold to EU member states. France and Germany notably experienced significant growth in import volumes, purchasing an additional 2,500 tonnes and 1,700 tonnes respectively compared to 2022.
In contrast, the UK witnessed a decline of 31% year-on-year in sheep meat imports, with only 28,000 tonnes entering the country during the first half of 2023. Among the import sources, New Zealand accounted for close to 60% of the sheep meat imported into the UK.
Glesni Phillips, HCC’s market intelligence, analysis, and business insight executive, predicts that export trends will persist in the second half of the year, as the UK is expected to maintain high supply levels. Despite lamb production in the UK remaining slightly less than 1% higher than the previous year, Phillips attributed this decrease in imports to shifting global consumer demand and the redirection of New Zealand and Australian shipments towards China.
On the other hand, beef and pork exports experienced declines of 22% and 23% respectively, compared to the previous year. Phillips explained that reduced demand from European consumers and strong cattle prices in the UK contributed to the drop in beef exports. Similarly, the contraction of the UK pig herd, driven by skyrocketing production costs for UK farmers, is believed to be the main factor behind the decline in pork exports. UK Government figures further support this observation, showcasing a 13% year-on-year reduction in pork production during the six-month period, amounting to 457,200 tonnes.
