Increased pigmeat sales helped push total UK red meat and dairy exports above the £2 billion-mark in the first half of this year.
HMRC data showed the total value of UK red meat exports in the first half of this year reached £1.1 billion, up 15% on the year, with the volumes up 8% at almost 293,000 tonnes.
UK shipments of pigmeat increased by 5% in value over the period to £269 million, with volumes up 11% to 174,000 tonnes. Fresh and frozen sales were up 22% to £149m, with processed products stable at £51m, but offal sales down by 15% to £69m.
Dairy shipments for the period stood at £973 million, down 12% on the year, with 614,000 tonnes exported, a decrease of 11% on the same period in 2025.
Values of total beef and sheep meat exports for the period increased by 23% to £450 million and 15% to £401 million respectively on the year, largely driven by demand from European markets.
Jonathan Eckley, AHDB international trade development director, said: “The value of red meat exports in the first half of this year is very encouraging, despite challenging global trading conditions. It demonstrates why it is vital to maintain a wide portfolio of markets to maximise carcase utilisation.
“It is a testament to the excellent production standards of our livestock farmers and the work of our export businesses in delivering products that remain highly sought after the world over. With increases in the value and volume of red meat products being shipped during this period, there is clearly continued demand for world-class British produce.”
Developing international trade
AHDB continues to deliver a comprehensive programme of international trade development activity to support the red meat and dairy sectors, including two recent inward missions for the Beef & Lamb and Pork sectors.
Stakeholders from China and the US headed to the UK for a series of farm and processor visits to find out more about UK production.
October will see AHDB spearhead its biggest overseas activity of the year when it takes red meat export businesses to SIAL Paris – this year’s largest international trade show – to showcase British red meat to a global audience of visitors.
Jonathan added: “Exports play a key role in underpinning domestic prices. This is why investing levy in international trade development continues to play a pivotal role in AHDB supporting the red meat and dairy sectors, identifying opportunities for our world–class produce in new markets and maximising opportunities in existing ones. Maintaining a wide portfolio of markets is a critical part of this process.”