Irish Lamb Prices Hold Steady as UK Market Softens
Irish Lamb Prices Hold Steady as UK Market Softens – August 2025
The latest Irish lamb prices August 2025 show continued stability. After several steady weeks, base quotes remain firm at €7.70–7.80/kg plus QA bonus. Many processors are paying up to an upper carcase weight of 22kg, keeping trade confidence intact.
Irish Market
For the week ending 23 August 2025, the average Irish deadweight price held at €7.69/kg. This figure is unchanged from the previous week. However, prices remain significantly stronger than last year’s €7.18/kg. They are also well above the three-year average of €7.03/kg.
Throughput increased to 41,861 head last week. Even so, year-to-date slaughter totals 1.36 million head, which is 17% lower than 2024. Tighter supplies continue to define the season, limiting availability and supporting firm returns.
UK Market
In contrast, UK lamb prices eased in late August. Mainland Great Britain reported an average of €8.50/kg, a drop of 23c/kg. Northern Ireland also slipped slightly, with prices easing to €7.64/kg. This highlights the different supply and demand pressures across both markets.
Global Trends
Southern Hemisphere lamb prices remain competitive. In Australia, heavy lambs averaged €6.47/kg, narrowing the gap with Irish lamb to just €1.22/kg. By comparison, the spread was close to €4/kg in mid-May. Meanwhile, New Zealand prices eased slightly to €5.03/kg, although they remain near their highest level since late 2022.
Overall, the Irish lamb prices August 2025 report shows stability in Ireland, even as UK markets soften. Tight supplies across Europe and reduced lamb output in 2025 are likely to keep EU markets attractive for both Irish and imported lamb.
