the UK were almost 12% higher in April than the same time last year, at 19,700t – a 5% rise on 2012 levels.“Much of this rise is being driven by increased availability in Ireland, with volumes up 14% on the year,” said a report by Eblex.
With Irish beef production 21% higher year-on-year in April, and Irish prices having fallen sharply, this rise in trade was hardly surprising, it added.
Over the same period, UK beef exports fell by 7%, hampered by higher prices and unfavourable exchange rates.
Sheepmeat imports fell by 1% over the same period, to 12,000t in April, due to a shift in New Zealand shipments towards China. “With the world supply and demand balance much more favourable this year, the average value of imports was 21% dearer than a year ago,” said the report.
Sheepmeat exports from the UK increased by 8%, year-on-year, partly due to the late Easter and higher April production. “Reflecting the global trend and seemingly good demand both at home and abroad, the average value of exports was much higher, being 14% above year earlier levels.”
