Sheep lead the way as UK exports grow in value in 2023

Exports to the EU alone were worth more than half a billion pounds to the UK sheep sector last year, after a big uptick in sales.

However, while sheep exports surged, total beef and pork exports dropped back on the year, which led to UK red meat exports for 2023 remaining stable at £1.7bn.

Sheep

Total UK sheepmeat exports increased in value by 11.7% to £562m in 2023, driven by larger volumes going to major EU markets.

About 45,000t was sent from the UK to France, worth £292m in 2023, an increase of 23% in both volume and value terms for the year.

Meanwhile, UK sheepmeat exports to Germany rose by 12% in volume and 15% in value to £108m.

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Outside of the EU, UK sheepmeat exports were up 10% in volume, but down 15% in value at close to £24m, according to HMRC trade data.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB head of international trade development, said: “Sheepmeat exports were undoubtedly the standout success of 2023, driven by demand from high-value markets in Europe, like France, and evolving markets in west Africa.

“Not only does this underline the ongoing importance of the European market, particularly France, for the sheep sector, but also the crucial role that carcass balance plays in adding value to exports.”

Beef

Strong domestic prices, tight supplies and weaker demand on the Continent limited beef exports during 2023.

Overall, UK beef exports fell by 15% in volume and 9% in value compared with, year-earlier levels, to total £583m.

Mr Eckley said the beef sector has faced challenges in terms of falling production, although exports of beef offal to non-EU markets were encouraging.

Pork

Weaker demand from Asia and lower domestic pork production led to a fall in pork exports last year, with total pigmeat export volumes down by 20%.

Export values were also down, but only by 9%, totalling £570m.

Mr Eckley said: “Lower production and subdued demand from Asia has undoubtedly affected the pigmeat sector.”