Lamb exports soar in the first half of 2017
The latest import and export statistics from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the first half of 2017 have revealed that the value of lamb exports rose by 25% to £177.3 million, compared to last year.
Kevin Roberts.
According to HMRC, imports of lamb into the UK market, primarily from New Zealand, fell by 15% when compared to the same period last year.
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) noted that the trade performance is due to a combination of weaker Sterling and strong demand in key export markets for premium products, such as Welsh Lamb.
Wales contributes around a third of UK sheep flock, while there is also a strong presence of the PGI Welsh Lamb brand in international markets.
HCC chairman, Kevin Roberts, said: “These figures are undoubtedly good news for the Welsh lamb industry.
“The decline in imports from New Zealand is welcome, showing that UK retailers are responding to their consumers’ demand for high-quality home-produced meat.”
However, he warned that the figures reinforced the imperative need to maintain free and unfettered access to EU markets for Welsh Lamb.
“The HMRC statistics show that, aside from some growth in emerging markets such as Hong Kong, the vast majority of the increased exports in 2017 have come in EU countries such as France and Belgium, where the Welsh Lamb brand is well-known and respected,” he said.
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