Britain becomes net lamb exporter for first time
Saturday, February 18, 2012
11:09 AM
Britain has become a net exporter of lamb, according to new figures published by EBLEX.
Last year, sheep meat exports from the UK saw an 11pc increase on the year, totalling 98,500 tonnes. During the same period, UK sheep meat imports fell 13pc to 88,000 tonnes.
The rise in exports was driven by strong demand on the continent with EU member states increasingly looking to the UK. Exports to France accounted for 60pc with an increase of 3.1pc volume. Shipments to Germany and Ireland both increased by around two thirds year-on-year.
Significantly, exports to non-EU markets for the period were up 41pc year-on-year at 5,800 tonnes to destinations such as Switzerland, Norway, various African states including South Africa and Congo, Hong Kong and other Far East markets. Further growth in non-EU markets is expected to drive an increase in meat exports in 2012.
Peter Hardwick, head of trade development at EBLEX, said: “The UK is a major sheep meat producer, the largest in the EU and third in terms of global trade behind only Australia and New Zealand.
“While becoming a net exporter of lamb is a significant milestone for the industry in the UK, exports remain largely limited to trade within the EU with non-EU exports for the period representing 5pc to 6pc of the total. The key challenge in terms of lamb exports remains access to target markets such as China, North Africa, South Africa, Russia, the USA and several Middle East markets.”
Peter Morris, former chief executive of the National Sheep Association was presented with the industry’s 2011 George Hedley Memorial award in London this week.
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6 comments
Mary had a little, sorry it was exported!
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Peter Wilmot
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Not sure I quite understand the logic here and perhaps someone could explain as there may be a valid reason. We export 98.5K tonnes and import 88k tonnes. Would it not be cheaper to sell the British lamb in the UK and not sell imported meat?
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EdChed
Monday, February 20, 2012
I expect our lamb exports have also been helped by the very high value of the AU and NZ dollars and the depressed GBP.
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galjanie overseas
Sunday, February 19, 2012
It is expensive because there is a good export market. Didn't you read the article?
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country bumkin
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Then why is Lamb so expensive in Norwich butchers?
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ds99
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Then why is Lamb so expensive in Norwich butchers?
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ds99
Saturday, February 18, 2012