Delays in NZ lamb imports due to shipping challenges
THE trade of chilled lamb from New Zealand into the UK remains significantly below the levels seen before the pandemic struck, according to industry body Beef and Lamb New Zealand.
The upheaval to supply chains during the COVID crisis had a marked effect, with perishable chilled goods deemed far more of a gamble to transport compared to their frozen counterparts.
While the complications directly tied to the pandemic have eased, persistent issues with shipping routes continue to cast a shadow over the chilled lamb market. Notably, the turmoil in the Gulf of Aden is a reminder of the heightened risks that come with such sensitive shipments. Insurance costs for navigating the Red Sea have skyrocketed, multiplying by as much as 20 times the usual rates.
New Zealand sent around 5700t of chilled lamb to the UK in 2022 and 2023. This year until February, only 1845t had been sent which is well short of chill lamb volumes of 18,000t in 2020.
Before covid more than 40% of chilled product was sent to the UK from New Zealand, whilst in recent years it has been 14%-18%.
By John Sleigh | South West Farmer
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