New HMRC trade figures for 2021 show that the value of lamb and beef exports from Wales continues to be over £210 million a year, despite disruptions to the market.
While the total volume of red meat exported is below pre-pandemic levels, the financial value of exports has held up. The total value of lamb and beef exports from Wales in 2021 was comparable with levels seen in 2019.
Volumes of red meat exported from the UK fell on the year by 20% for sheep meat and 12% for beef. Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) said that the Covid pandemic and Brexit both influenced trade patterns. At the same time, retail demand for lamb and beef in the UK soared, meaning that there was less meat available for export.
“Still considerable uncertainty”
HCC’s data analyst Glesni Phillips said: “Work by HCC and processors to maintain retail and foodservice trade to key markets, along with price inflation in the food sector in recent months, partly explains the divergence in the volume and value figures.
“It’s good news that the value of Welsh red meat exports remains above £200 million a year, and this has helped ensure strong prices for farmers. However, there is still considerable uncertainty in the future outlook.”
The latest HMRC figures also reveal the impact of Covid disruption on imports to the UK.
The difference in the volume of lamb shipped into the UK between 2020 and 2021 was substantial; imports were down by 18%. New Zealand continued to be the dominant supplier and accounted for 67% of fresh and frozen imports.
Phillips added: “It is possible that exports may increase again in the latter half of 2022. Beef production levels are forecast to increase which will mean greater product availability for export markets where demand for beef remains.
“For lamb, global supplies are forecast to remain tight which could lead to an increased export demand during 2022, but that will of course depend on the lambing season and subsequently on supply and demand levels in the UK market.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
