Meat Export Sucess

Figures published for the first half of 2014 show an increase in exports of beef and lamb.  In June alone, the UK exported 9,660 tonnes of beef (including veal), up 20% on June 2013.  Lamb exports have also shown a marked increase, rising 2% compared to the same period last year to a total of 48,000 for the first half of 2014.  This is the highest volume traded from the UK since 1998.  The trade has also taken a more global shift with shipments beyond the EU increasing by 36% to 10,600 tonnes in the first 6 months of 2014.  This includes strong sales to the Far East, Africa and non-EU Europe such as Norway and Switzerland.

Lamb imports have taken a noticeable dive, falling 7% in the first half of 2014 to 58,500 tonnes.  Imports from New Zealand have fallen by 15% in the same period as more of their produce is directed to the Chinese market.  UK imports of beef have taken the opposite direction, rising by 6% to 118,500 tonnes.  For the first time since 2000 imports from Ireland have comprised over 70% of all UK beef imports – indicating how important the Irish trade is in the UK market.  There has been some better news for beef producers in terms of price, with markets starting to rise at a point in the year when prices are usually on the downturn.

According to EBLEX UK lamb production is expected to increase significantly during this year and continue into 2015.  For 2014 production is forecast to increase by 4% to 302,100 tonnes with a further 0.5% increase expected in 2015.  The National Sheep Association in conjunction with the NFU have produced a ‘ Vision for British Sheep Production’ which looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the industry and where improvements can be made.  The trade statistics from EBLEX will come as a welcome start.  The Vision report can be found at http://www.nationalsheep.org.uk/pdf_files/NSANFUVisionDocument28072014195406.pdf