French protests concern lamb exports but trade holds firm

UK lamb prices are holding up, despite major protests by farmers in France who have been blocking roads, which has disrupted British lamb exports heading to the Continent.

The GB deadweight lamb SQQ increased by 23.6p/kg on the week to 631.8p/kg, with lower throughputs at abattoirs.

Prices at auction markets were also up, with the liveweight SQQ at 296.2p/kg for the week to 27 January.

See also: Deadweight holds strong with lamb at £6/kg and beef at £5/kg

Auctioneers say while finished prices have been strong in the past week, supply could catch up with demand if retail markets remain quiet and export markets stay disrupted.

Rizvan Khalid, managing director at Shropshire-based exporter Euro Quality Lambs, told Farmers Weekly the French protests had already had an effect on logistics, with at least one lorry missing its delivery.

As a result of the protests, there are currently fewer buyers at Rungis International Market in Paris, which is affecting sales, according to Mr Khalid.

He added: “It’s worrying at the moment because we don’t know how long it is going to go on for and how intense it may become. At this moment in time, it is having some impact, but it’s not catastrophic.”

Disruption to shipping routes in the Middle East are also affecting the UK lamb trade.

There have been delays to red meat exports from Australia and New Zealand, and some vessels are having to reroute around South Africa.

Live exports from Australia to the Middle East were also affected, with the shipping vessel MV Bahijah, carrying thousands of sheep and cattle, having to be redirected back to Australia.

Australia’s chief veterinary officer, Beth Cookson said: “People can have confidence we are focused on achieving an optimal outcome for the health and wellbeing of the livestock on board, while at the same time preserving Australia’s pristine biosecurity status.”