Sheep meat exports (fresh and frozen) increased in July, although remained on the low side. Nearly 6,000 tonnes of fresh and frozen sheep meat was shipped from the UK, an increase of 11% from June, but down 4% versus July 2021. In value terms, July’s total sheep meat shipments were up 6% year-on-year at £41.5 million. Month-on-month, volumes grew to France, Germany and Belgium, outweighing lower shipments to Ireland. However, when looking at the month’s 4% year on year drop in exports, the biggest contributor was from the 17% (-600 tonnes) drop in exports to France. The UK’s production of sheep meat fell in July, a month marked by exceptional dryness and poor grass growth, likely affecting supplies available for export versus previous years. For January-July (inclusive), UK fresh and frozen sheep meat exports totalled 41,600 tonnes, up 18% year-on-year. Shipments to the EU were up 23% at 39,100 tonnes, with growth to Ireland, France, Germany and Belgium. The total value of these exports reached £283.1 million, up 28% year-on-year.
Imports
Unlike exports, more fresh and frozen sheep meat continued to come into the UK in July than a year ago, but volumes slipped on the month. 5,500 tonnes of product were imported during July, down 15% from June. Shipments declined from New Zealand by 11% (510 tonnes), Ireland by 30% (280 tonnes), and Australia by 15% (90 tonnes). On an annual basis however, shipments were up 31%. Volumes from New Zealand were 9% (+1,000 tonnes) higher, and Irish volumes were significantly up (almost 4x, but from a lower base than New Zealand). For January-July (inclusive), UK sheep meat imports totalled 40,400 tonnes, up 27% versus the same period a year ago. Shipments were greater from all three key suppliers (New Zealand +2,000 tonnes; Ireland +4,200 tonnes; Australia +2,500 tonnes).