Search our website enhanced by Google.
Both UK lamb exports and imports decline during August
Friday, 23 October 2020
By Bronwyn Magee
The latest HMRC data shows that total UK sheep meat trade declined on the previous year for the month of August, with COVID-19 continuing to impact trade.
Exports
During August, UK exports of sheep meat (including offal) fell by 7% year-on-year to 7,900 tonnes, according to the latest data from HMRC. Exports to France fell notably on the year, down 19% to 3,200 tonnes during the month. Despite this, exports to Italy (+53%) and Ireland (+29%) both recorded increases of 200 tonnes on the year.
In the year-to-August exports were down 8% when compared to the same period in 2019, totalling 57,700 tonnes. This decline primarily reflects low exports during the spring period due to trade disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. While export volumes have recovered in recent months, the latest data suggests UK export markets may be coming under pressure again. The outlook remains challenging, with demand on the continent still disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions.
Imports
UK imports of sheep meat totalled 3,900 tonnes during August, down 3% on the year. While overall imports have declined, imports from New Zealand increased on the year by 7% (140 tonnes), to total 2,300 tonnes in August. Shipments from Australia also notably increased, up by 260 tonnes on the year. This follows an uplift in product arriving from Australia seen earlier in the year.
In the year-to-August total imports were down 12% (6,500 tonnes) to 47,200 tonnes. As outlined in July’s data, much of this decline can be attributed to by fall in imports from Ireland and New Zealand. While New Zealand imports have since uplifted, shipments from Ireland have continued to decline, down 3,900 tonnes in the year-to-date.
According to New Zealand export data, there may have been an increase on-the-year in the volume of sheep meat exported to the UK during September. The gap between British and New Zealand farmgate prices has remained wide in recent months, which may explain an increase of New Zealand products entering the UK market. Should prices continue at this level, we could see further imports from both New Zealand and Australia. This will be an interesting watch point in coming months.
Sign up for regular updates
You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.
While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.
All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.