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Sheep meat imports and exports both decline in February
Wednesday, 22 April 2020
By Rebecca Wright
During February UK imports of fresh and frozen primary sheep meat dropped 30% year-on-year, to just over 3,000 tonnes, according to HMRC data. Much of the decline was in shipments from New Zealand, although volumes from Ireland also recorded a decline. There was a rise in shipments from Australia, as rumoured during the month, however by only 100 tonnes. The value of imports dropped from £22 million in February 2019, to £17 million in February 2020.
UK exports recorded a small decline (-300 tonnes) on-the-year during the month, to 6,000 tonnes. Shipments to the three main markets, France, Germany and Ireland, all declined. This was partially offset by increases in shipments to a variety of smaller markets, including some of potential growth, such as Ghana, Canada and Saudi Arabia. While the overall volume dropped, value increased by £3 million, to £29 million.
It should be noted that the majority of this trade data pre-dates any COVID-19 impact. However, global shipping was already under pressure by February, and as sheep meat from New Zealand and Australia has around a six week shipping time, it would already have been on the water. The next set of data which will cover March and should begin to quantify the impact of coronavirus on trade.
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