Exports ease, whilst imports of sheep meat rise in June

Wednesday, 17 August 2022

The UK exported 5,400 tonnes of fresh and frozen sheep meat during June, down 200 tonnes from May, but up 17% year on year for the month of June. For the year to date, the UK has exported 35,600 tonnes of sheep meat, up 23% (6,600 tonnes) on 2021.

France continues to receive the most UK sheep meat, accounting for 44% market share of June exports, in line with levels seen last year. Ireland continues to be a key recipient of UK sheep meat with 18% of the market share for the month, while Germany and Belgium saw volumes fall, accounting for 16% and 9% of UK exports, respectively.

UK imports of fresh and frozen sheep meat for June totalled 6,500 tonnes, up 5% on May and 55% on last year, the highest it has been for the month of June since 2018. This means imports outweighed exports by 1,100 tons for the month of June.

New Zealand increased their market share for supplying product to the UK and now accounts for 73% of UK imports for June, supplying 4,700 tonnes of fresh and frozen sheep meat, with our next largest supplier, Ireland, supplying 924 tonnes (14% market share). For the year to date, New Zealand’s market share has fallen from 73% in 2021, to 61% this year, with both Australia and Ireland increasing their market share to 19% and 14% respectively.


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