Global sheep prices

Around the world, farmgate sheep prices vary, affected by various factors, most obviously supply and demand. Some of these factors are more local in nature and might include logistical and supply chain issues. Cost of production also varies between different countries.

Figure 1. Global farmgate lamb prices, Jan 2025 –August 2026

Source: AHDB, European commission, MLA, AgriHQ

Figure 1 compares global deadweight farmgate lamb prices for GB, Ireland, France, Spain, Australia and New Zealand from January 2025 to August 2026.

Prices for Spain and France have been the highest throughout the series but have been in decline since May 2026. The Spanish price reached 1030p/kg at its highest.

GB and Ireland track in the mid‑range, ranging from 650-960p/kg. Both have seen declines in recent weeks.

New Zealand and Australia remain the lowest prices, however, have been steadily rising over the period. The Australian price has been increasing throughout 2026, widening the gap over New Zealand.

Australia and New Zealand are the two largest exporters and therefore prices there very much reflect global supply and demand balances of sheep meat. As a global traded commodity, prices in Australia and New Zealand will also reflect changes in exchange rates.

It is also worth keeping in mind that specification variations between countries might mean the major prices quoted in each country may not be immediately directly comparable.