Covid disruption among factors driving drop in red meat exports
Strong domestic demand, the impact of Covid-19 and logistical issues following Brexit have impacted red meat exports during the first half of 2021, according to data analysed by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).
Data from HMRC indicated that UK exports of beef were 31% lower in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period last year, while exports of sheepmeat were almost 25% down. HHC said that a primary driver of this change is a strong domestic retail demand which is limiting the volume of products available for export, combined with a tight supply.
In addition, Defra figures suggested that the limited demand from the foodservice sector in countries overseas as a result of Covid restrictions has reduced export demand, while trade has also been affected by some logistical issues following Brexit.
HCC said that all the forementioned factors have had an impact on the value of lamb and beef exports from Wales; they normally total £200 million a year, but are – as expected by industry insiders – somewhat down this year.
Glesni Phillips, data analyst at HCC said: “The closure of the foodservice sector in the UK and overseas has changed consumer eating habits, resulting in a weaker demand for imported goods. In addition to this, the strong demand for red meat from British consumers at retail has affected the volume available for exporting.
“However, this has not changed the UK’s reliance on key markets such as Ireland, France and Germany. Despite importing and exporting significantly less red meat, they remain important markets for our red meat industry. France accounted for over 48% of the total sheepmeat export value during the period.”
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