During February UK imports of fresh and frozen sheep meat grew 66% (1,900 tonnes) year-on-year to 4,700 tonnes, according to the latest data from HMRC. This puts import volumes at their highest level for a February since 2018. Although there was a small rise in shipments from New Zealand and Australia (up 400 tonnes and 300 tonnes on the year respectively) the majority of the increase was recorded in shipments from Ireland, up 1,100 tonnes. Traditionally imports of legs have made up around 40% of UK imports during the early part of the year. However, over the past two years this volume has dropped sharply, and this February, less than a quarter of the growth in imports can be attributed to leg cuts. It was expected that volumes would be higher than last year, reflecting the fact that the UK wasn’t in lockdown and the foodservice sector was open for business.
In the year to February total import volumes stood at 9,100 tonnes, up 2,300 tonnes compared to year earlier levels. Meanwhile, exports also recorded a sharp year-on-year rise, because last year trade was disrupted due to both the end of the Brexit transition period, and Covid-19 pandemic related restrictions. In February this year, exports totalled 6,300 tonnes, up 37% (1,700 tonnes) year-on-year. This volume is similar to pre-pandemic and pre-Brexit levels and the EU remained the main destination. In the year to February, UK exports totalled 10,400 tonnes, up 2,200 tonnes on the year.