Sheepmeat imports at highest level since 2018
© Tim Scrivener Sheepmeat imports to the UK, both fresh and frozen, have surged by 40% to reach 67,880t in 2024, marking the highest level since 2018, trade figures have revealed.
The majority of the extra sheepmeat has come from New Zealand, up by 14,300t, and Australia, up by 6,500t – countries that now enjoy preferential terms of trade.
See also: Tremendous beef trade here to stay with supplies scarce
Both markets account for 86% of UK sheepmeat imports, marking an increase from 78% in 2023.
Glesni Phillips, Hybu Cig Cymru’s intelligence, analysis and business insight executive said: “The rise in imports reflects lower prices from the Southern Hemisphere along with the new free-trade agreements, a tight domestic supply and record level deadweight prices in the UK.”
Ms Phillips added that imports of fresh and frozen product have grown in order to meet demand, which has spiked around key religious festivals.
HMRC figures indicate a decline in UK sheepmeat exports (excluding offal), totalling roughly 79,500t, down some 6% from 2023.
But the total value of these exports rose by 7%, reaching £583m.
Quotas
AHDB has highlighted that Australia’s proportion of fresh and frozen lamb imports (17,800t) continues to grow under the free-trade agreement, with 62% of its 2024 quota fulfilled.
Australia’s share of UK imports is increasing, potentially signalling a move to diversify its exports and reduce reliance on demand from China, AHDB has highlighted.
However, the UK remains a small market for Australia, taking only 3% of sheepmeat exports by volume.
Industry concerns
Responding to the figures, Farmers’ Union of Wales regional vice-president Alun Owen said: “The surge in sheepmeat imports poses a very real threat that could undermine the livelihoods of Welsh sheep farmers and the sustainability of our rural communities.”
Kepak UK livestock procurement director Prys Morgan added: “Farming, in the same way as other businesses, needs sustained confidence not only from the market but also from governments to invest and maintain production levels.
“A thriving lamb sector not only strengthens food security amid global uncertainty but also contributes to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.”
John Yeomans, who farms beef and sheep near Newtown, said: “It is good to see that there is a demand from consumers for lamb, but we must do more to protect critical mass and our producers here at home.”