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Far East helps bolster red meat exports in challenging year
Friday, 21 May 2021
Asia and the Middle East have helped boost red meat exports from the UK in what has been an incredibly challenging start to the year.
With Brexit and coronavirus impacting shipments of beef, lamb and pork to Europe during the first three months of 2020, markets outside of the EU have helped bolster trade.
While exports of beef to non-EU countries have dropped, shipments of pig meat, including offal, have risen in both volume and value, increasing 31% to 63,000 tonnes, worth over £110 million – up 42% compared to the same period last year.
Sheep exports to non-EU countries also rose 30% in volume and, importantly, 46% in value, worth £6.6 million to the sector.
Trade was particularly helped by increased demand from Asia and the Middle East – both are areas of strategic growth for AHDB, having recently engaged representatives in the regions to support and facilitate trade development for levy payers.
Head of Asia Pacific Jonathan Eckley said the Far East remains a key market for red meat exports from the UK, and AHDB is continuing to identify opportunities in new and existing markets to help boost trade.
He added: “The start of the year has been incredibly challenging for our red meat exports and while the third country demand has helped to boost trade, it hasn’t been able to offset the fall in shipments to the EU.
“However, the Asian markets have once again proven to be hugely important for our exports. While some countries are importing smaller volumes from the UK, the overall value is increasing for example Singapore, which has this year seen an 87% increase in the value of our pork shipments.”
Demand for UK pork was also evident in the Philippines, with the value of shipments increasing four-fold compared to the same period last year – bringing a £10 million boost to the sector. Exports to South Korea also grew and were valued at £2.5 million.
Sheep exports, including offal, to Kuwait increased ten-fold in the first three months of the year, and shipments to Ghana more than doubled.
Due to strong domestic demand for beef in the UK, exports have not grown as strong as other meats, but regions such as the Philippines have seen growth in both volume and value. South Africa has also seen shipments increase three-fold and there was a 6% rise in export volume to Ghana.
Jonathan added: “Despite the challenges we face due to Brexit and Covid, AHDB continues to have a virtual presence at trade shows and networking events across Asia, in a bid to build relationships between our exporters and key influencers.”
This week, we had a presence at Asia’s largest food and beverage show SIAL China. Due to travel restrictions, the stand was hosted by our China-based representative Holly Chen, who was joined by UK meat exporters’ China-based teams.