UK lamb exports recover to pre-Brexit levels, whilst imports jump
According to latest data from HMRC, during February, UK imports of fresh and frozen sheepmeat grew 66% to 4,700 tonnes. 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 in February 2022, less than a quarter of the growth in imports can be attributed to leg cuts.
In the year to February 2022, 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 2022, UK exports totalled 10,400 tonnes, up 2,200 tonnes on the year.
UK pork exports see upward trend in February
Pigmeat producers still making substantial losses
