UK: Sheep imports increased in May
Imports are gradually returning to the volumes seen before COVID-19. New Zealand holds the largest market share of UK sheep meat imports with 66% (4,000 tonnes) originating from the country, in line with volumes from April. Australia and the EU each sent around 900 tonnes of sheep meat to the UK in May, each accounting for 15% of imports. The year-on-year improvement in EU shipments to the UK has been driven by higher exports from Ireland who made up 72% (670 tonnes) of the EU volume in May.
The UK exported 5,300 tonnes of fresh and frozen sheep meat in May, down 27% (-2,000 tonnes) from April but up 10% (+480 tonnes) year-on-year.
The EU received almost 5,000 tonnes of UK sheep meat in May, up 8% (+390 tonnes) compared to last year. Exports to France made up almost half the total EU volume in May (2,400 tonnes), a 5% increase year-on-year. As some exporters prefer to channel exports intended for the wider EU through France, not all of these exports will be directly headed to the French market. The other key EU recipients of UK lamb exports were Germany, Belgium and Ireland.
For the year-to-date (Jan-May), the UK has a small trade surplus of 1,500 tonnes in sheep meat. Exports are standing at 30,000 tonnes (23% annual increase) vs imports of 28,500 tonnes (21% annual increase).
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