AHDB: Global demand for lamb helps drive UK red meat exports
In 2023, red meat exports from the UK were worth £1.7 billion, largely driven by strong demand for UK lamb on international markets, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
Full-year figures from HMRC show that in 2023, red meat exports, including offal, achieved a similar level in value to the record year of 2022, underpinned by the performance of exports of sheep meat, particularly to the EU.
The total value of red meat shipments to the EU during the period was up 2% on the year, at £1.3 billion, while volumes fell by 12% on the year. Within this, sheep meat exports to France – the UK’s largest market – was the standout with shipments increasing by 23% in value to £292 million and 23% in volume on the year to 45,000 tonnes.
Elsewhere shipments to Germany made a notable increase – up in value by 15% to £108 million and in volume by 12%. This supported the overall value of total sheep meat exports, increasing by 11.7% to £562 million.
Sheep meat exports to non-EU markets were up 10% in volume but down 15% in value, with shipments to Ghana leading the way. Exports to Ghana, where we coordinated our first outward trade mission in 2012, experienced a year-on-year increase in volume of 11% at around 1,200 tonnes and in value by 12% to £1.4 million.
It follows successful trade missions to Ghana and the Côte d’Ivoire last year to fly the flag for British red meat, set up business partnerships and meet buyers in the burgeoning markets.
Jonathan Eckley, AHDB Head of International Trade Development, said:
“Sheep meat exports were undoubtedly the standout success of 2023, driven by demand from high-value markets in Europe like France and evolving markets in West Africa.
“Not only does this underline the ongoing importance of the European market, particularly France, for the sheep meat sector, but also the crucial role that carcase balance plays in adding value to exports. Increasing the volume and value of shipments of product with little domestic demand in the UK to a broad portfolio of markets clearly underlines this”.
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