Ireland exported meat and livestock worth almost ?4 billion in 2018, shipments increasing by 1% compared to a year ago and hitting a record high for the category, according to Bord Bia’s recent report.
Bord Bia said that the significant increase was based on the rise in production volumes across all meat species and the opening of new markets. Furthermore, the report indicated that meat and dairy was amongst Ireland’s largest export categories, accounting for 66% of the country’s total exports.
Beef exports were valued at €2.5 billion (+ 1 per cent), while strong price growth saw a 15 per cent rise in the value of sheep exports to reach €315 million.
Significant downward price pressure saw the value of pigmeat exports decline by 6 per cent to €666 million for the year, even though production increased by 4 per cent.
The value of poultry exports increased by 8 per cent to €316 million, as the sector reached its highest ever production levels of 157,000 tonnes.
Finally the overall value of live animal exports declined by 8% in 2018 to €161 million despite an increase in the number of animals exported. This was due to an increase in calf exports and a decline in higher value finished cattle.
