UK's sheep meat exports down by 6% in August
In August, total shipments to sheep meat were down by 6% to 7,200 tonnes. The UK exported 12% less sheep meat to France, which, says Rebecca Oborne, AHDB analyst, reflects the trends set earlier in 2018.
The country has been diversifying the destination of its exports and reported increases in exports both to Ireland and Germany; up 29% (300 tonnes) and 14% (100 tonnes) respectively.
In the first eight months of this year, Oborne says that the reported sheep meat exports stand at 48,800 tonnes, which is 12% less than in the corresponding period from 2017. Overall, shipments to France have declined in the mentioned period by 4,000 tonnes. Oborne explained that this may be in part due to GB lamb prices trading at a premium over French prices back in the spring but also lower domestic production is likely to have had a significant impact.
Furthermore, the decline in exports is also due to a low production. Between January and August the UK has produced around 7,400 tonnes cwe less sheep meat. If the UK export data, which is reported in product weight, is converted to carcase weight equivalent then exports have declined by approximately 7,300 tonnes. Oborne says that this was also observed in 2017.
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