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April beef trade remains lower, some import growth from March
Thursday, 17 June 2021
As of January 2021 data, the way HMRC collects trade data has changed, which will be reflected in the trade statistics. Comparisons between this and historic data should be treated with caution, and may well be subject to future revisions.
Exports
According to HMRC data, the UK exported 7,100 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef in April, 18% less than March and 16% less than was shipped during April last year.
A 6% increase in the average price meant these shipments were valued at £23.8 million, down 11% from April 2020.
Exports to the EU totalled 4,800 tonnes, down 8% on the year before, although showed a 10% increase in the average price. As a result, the overall value of exports to the EU rose slightly, by 1% compared with April 2020. Shipments to non-EU countries fell by 30% to 2,300 tonnes. Along with a 15% fall in the average price, the overall value of exports to non-EU countries was down 40%.
For the year-to-date (Jan-Apr) the UK exported 27,200 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef, down 36% from the same period a year ago.
Imports
During the same month, the UK imported 16,300 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef, 7% more than March but 4% less than April last year.
A 1% increase in the average price meant these imports cost £62.6 million, down 5% year-on-year.
Imports from the EU fell 7% to 15,600 tonnes for the month, while shipments from outside the EU were 35% higher at 700 tonnes. Irish imports fell by 12% to 12,000 tonnes for the month.
For the year-to-date (Jan-Apr) the UK imported 54,000 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef, 29% less than was imported during the same period a year ago.
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