UK red meat trade shifts as production, imports fluctuate

UK – Beef production in the UK has increased by 4% in 2024, while sheep meat production has dropped by 7%, according to trade data. 

The rise in beef output resulted from a 3% increase in total throughput, whereas the number of sheep and lambs processed declined by 8% compared to 2023.

According to Defra’s figures, these shifts in domestic meat production have influenced export availability and reshaped red meat trade patterns throughout the year.

Sheep meat exports totaled approximately 79,500 tonnes, representing a 6% decline from the previous year, based on HMRC data. 

However, the total export value rose by 7% to reach US$733.2 million (£582.8 million). 

The higher value was likely influenced by strong farmgate prices in both UK and global markets.

The reduced export volume can be attributed to limited domestic supply, with UK production falling to 266,500 tonnes. 

Despite this, 2024 export levels remained above those recorded in 2022 and 2021.

Exports to both EU and non-EU markets saw reductions, with Ireland and Germany experiencing the most significant declines.

At the same time, UK sheep meat imports saw a 40% increase, reaching 67,880 tonnes, the highest volume since 2018. 

The surge was driven largely by higher imports from New Zealand, which rose by 14,300 tonnes, and Australia, which increased by 6,500 tonnes.

Together, these two countries now account for 86% of UK sheep meat imports, up from 78% the previous year. 

The increased imports reflect lower prices in the Southern Hemisphere, trade agreements, and high domestic deadweight prices. 

Demand spikes during key religious festivals also contributed to the higher import levels.

Beef Exports Grow as Ireland’s Share Declines

UK beef exports reached nearly 113,000 tonnes in 2024, marking a 9% rise compared to the previous year. 

The total value of these exports increased by 16%, amounting to US$713.6 million (£567.2 million). 

Growth in beef exports was driven by increased shipments to France, Canada, and the Netherlands.

Although Ireland remained the largest buyer of UK beef, its share dropped from 34% in 2023 to 29%, with shipments decreasing by 7% to 32,500 tonnes. 

Meanwhile, UK beef imports rose by 8%, reaching 240,700 tonnes. The value of these imports climbed by 11% to US$1.76 billion (£1.4 billion).

Ireland continued to be the primary supplier of beef to the UK, with imports from the country increasing by 13%. 

Additional shipments from New Zealand and Australia also grew, accounting for nearly half of all beef imported from outside the EU.

In Wales, total red meat exports—including fresh and frozen products—were valued at US$348.1 million (£277.4 million), a 9% increase from 2023. 

Beef exports were also 9% higher at almost 16,000 tonnes, with their value rising by 16%. 

However, sheep meat exports from Wales fell by 7% to an estimated 27,200 tonnes due to domestic supply shortages.

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