Total exports of UK fresh and frozen sheep meat lifted 7% year-on-year in March, to total 5,900 tonnes. Export prices for the month also lifted 12% year-on-year, driven by the elevated farmgate prices seen over the last few months both here and on the continent. However, the year to date volumes of exports is still 26% lower compared to the same period last year. As such, the total value of these exports is 12% lower year on year at £80.4m, despite the higher prices achieved. In Q1 as a whole, volumes to all major UK sheep meat export destinations have declined on the year, although volumes to Hong Kong lifted (+600 tonnes). This comes despite increases in shipments to France and Germany seen in March, up 1,000 tonnes and 200 tonnes respectively.
However, French customs data suggests exports from the UK rose 66% in the first quarter of the year, to reach 12,400 tonnes. Conversely, UK customs data suggests a 2% decline in exports to France in this period, totalling just 7,100 tonnes. While trade data often differs between countries, this large difference suggests these figures should be treated with caution and may be subject to change. UK sheep meat imports dropped back in March, down 19% compared to the same month last year to 7,600 tonnes. There were declines in recorded trade from all major import partners, with New Zealand (-10%), Australia (-46%) and Ireland (-71%) falling year-on-year. Import volumes for the year-to-date total 14,500 tonnes, 15% lower than last year.