HCC points to global factors shaping Welsh meat market
African Swine Fever in China is having a knock-on effect on the pork and other red meat sectors right across the world, including in Wales, according to market analysis by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).
The impact of the pig virus has seen 50% of China’s pork production wiped out. As pork is a large proportion of the diet of the world’s most populous country, the effect has been felt worldwide in a rise in demand – and prices – for pork.
The available HMRC export statistics for the first 11 months of 2019 excluding December show that pork exports from the UK to China have doubled compared to the previous year, and China is now the largest single export destination for British pork.
A rise in Welsh Lamb sales to markets such as Germany and the Middle East is likely to be a major contributor to a year-on-year increase, according to analysts.
In addition to global trends, exchange rates and political factors are impacting on the performance of beef and lamb exports from Wales – a crucial sector which is worth £200 million annually to the Welsh economy.
However, a rise in Welsh Lamb sales to markets such as Germany and the Middle East is likely to be a major contributor to a year-on-year increase of 16.2% in the volume of sheepmeat exports from the UK, according to the analysis.
HCC data analyst, Glesni Phillips, said: “With just December’s figures left to be confirmed, 2019 looks like one of the biggest years on record for exports of sheepmeat from Wales, and a significant one too for beef exports. The pig health crisis in China is driving global demand for pork, and we can see changing priorities for other major meat-producing countries as a result, with more New Zealand lamb, for instance, heading to Asia.”
Glesni added: “These patterns, together with a relatively weak Pound, have led to fewer imports of sheepmeat and beef into Britain in recent months alongside increasing exports. However, the picture is complex – the value of UK red meat exports has not risen as much as the volume.
“As far as Wales is concerned, the lamb trade is particularly important, as we export over 35% of our production. Although we have seen significant increases in trade with the Middle East, the major markets on our doorstep in Europe are still the destination for the large majority of our lamb, with Germany an increasingly important trading partner.
“2020 will see prices for pork, lamb and beef continuing to be impacted to varying degrees by changing global trading patterns. At home, production is likely to be stable rather than see any large increase, and farm-gate prices will continue to be heavily influenced by fluctuations in the Sterling exchange rate which are difficult to predict.”
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