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March beef trade lower on the year
Thursday, 20 May 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.
Imports
According to the latest data from HMRC, the UK imported 15,900 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef in March, down 34% (8,000 tonnes) compared to the same month a year ago.
Despite the year-on-year fall, imports were 36% higher when compared to February.
Lower shipments from Ireland continued to drive the majority of the fall, with volumes down 37% (7,300 tonnes) year-on-year in March. Volumes also remained lower from Poland and Germany. Imports from the Netherlands grew in March, up 20% year-on-year.
For the first quarter as a whole, imports of fresh and frozen beef totalled 40,000 tonnes, down 36% year-on-year.
Exports
The UK exported 8,600 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef in March, 30% less than the same month a year ago.
Shipments to the EU overall fell by 35% year-on-year to 6,200 tonnes. Again, lower shipments to Ireland were a key contributor, with volumes down 200 tonnes (-6%) year-on-year. However, lower exports to the Netherlands were the main driver of decline; volumes were down 2,300 tonnes (-67%) year-on-year. Shipments rose to France however, by 7%.
Exports to non-EU countries during March fell 14% year-on-year to 2,500 tonnes. Lower shipments to Japan drove the majority of the fall, with volumes down 83% (-355 tonnes) year-on-year. Shipments were also lower to China, Canada and Ghana.
For the first quarter as a whole, exports of fresh and frozen beef totalled 20,100 tonnes, down 40% year-on-year.
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