Pigmeat export volumes for the first half of 2024 were down 2% on the year, as overall red meat exports grew by 2%.
The latest figures from HMRC show that from January to June 2024, UK red meat exports totalled 260,000 tonnes, worth £860m, which was also an increase in value of 2% on the same period in 2023.
The increase was driven by beef shipments, which increased by 11% in both value and volume over the period, largely driven by demand from non-EU markets as well as major markets in northern Europe. Volume shipments to non-EU markets in the first half of the year were up 37% on 2023 levels, while beef exports to France and the Netherlands – the UK’s biggest markets in the EU – were up 6% and 15% respectively.
While the volume of sheep meat exports in the first half of 2024 fell 8% on the year, value was up 9%, reflecting tight supplies and high livestock prices, with shipments for the period to France worth £163m (up 23%), the Netherlands worth £12m (up 60%) and Belgium worth £41m (up 39%).
The 2% reduction in pigmeat exports reflects lower volumes being shipped to China. However, AHDB noted that volumes to the Philippines were up 23% on the year, alongside a 4% increases to the US, where, in both cases it has been very active in-market this year, while volumes to South Africa jumped by 42%.
Jonathan Eckley, Head of International Trade Development, said: “The figures for total red meat exports in the first half of 2024 are encouraging. Last year red meat exports totalled £1.7 billion for the year, equalling the record set in 2022, and exporters are on target to achieve that again in 2024.
“Beef exports have been the standout success in the first half of 2024. Demand from our major markets in northern Europe, such as France and the Netherlands, has remained robust, while the increase in volume of shipments to non-EU markets, particularly in West Africa, illustrates again the importance of carcase balance with beef offal volumes up 10%.
“Sheep meat exports have been under pressure in the first half of the year due to tight production but are still critical to the sector, with 30% being exported, equalling exports from last year. As we have seen with beef, demand has held up in several of our major European markets, demonstrating continuing robust demand for quality British lamb.”
Commenting on the pork figures, he added: “While it’s always disappointing to see a fall in volume, there are some positive signals highlighted by the volume increases to the Philippines and the USA. Like beef, carcase balance remains an important factor for the pork sector and volumes of fifth quarter products exported in the first half of the year are level with the same period in 2023, which is encouraging.
Driving growth
Mr Eckley said AHDB remains committed to helping drive export growth for quality British red meat and dairy and has an extensive programme of activity planned for the remainder of 2024 to support our levy payers, including a trade mission to South Africa and participation in trade shows in China, the USA and, of course, SIAL Paris in October – the world’s leading trade show of the year.
“We will continue to work with industry and the Government to cultivate the opportunities for high-quality red meat and dairy on the global stage, showcasing quality British produce and connecting with key buyers from around the world,” he said.