Irish Cattle Trade Update – Week Ending 2 August 2025

The Irish cattle trade August 2025 continues to show tight supplies, with factories competing for livestock. As a result, base quotes have moved higher across all categories.

Cattle Market Performance

Total throughput in DAFM-approved plants reached 25,471 head for the week ending 2 August 2025. This was 915 head more than the previous week. However, volumes were still 28% lower than the same week in 2024, when 32,451 cattle were processed.

Year-to-date slaughter is running 4% behind 2024, with cow throughput falling by 15%. The decline reflects both herd contraction and earlier culling.

This week, factory quotes strengthened. Steers made €7.50–7.60/kg, while heifers achieved €7.60–7.70/kg. Young bulls under 16 months graded U returned €7.80–7.90/kg. In addition, cow prices ranged from €7.10–7.20/kg for P and O grades, rising to €7.30–7.40/kg for R grades, depending on weight and quality.

Deadweight Prices

The R3 steer average increased by 8c/kg to reach €7.56/kg, returning to May’s levels. In comparison, the latest UK R3 steer price was €7.44/kg. This places UK cattle 12c/kg below Irish averages, a sharp reversal from February when Britain led by €1.17/kg. Meanwhile, the EU R3 young bull average stood at €6.76/kg, around 80c/kg below Irish steers. (Prices exclude VAT and include bonuses.)

Live Exports

Exports remain firm despite supply challenges. Up to 26 July, Ireland exported 298,514 head, a rise of 12% year-on-year. Notably, calf exports topped 220,000 head, up 14% on 2024. Moreover, strong demand for weanlings and store cattle came from Northern Ireland, Spain, Eastern Europe, and North Africa.

Source: Bord Bia — Cattle Trade & Prices (week ending 2 August). Bord Bia

China extends beef import probe to 26th November, easing near-term risk for exporters

6 August 2025 — China | Beijing has extended its investigation into beef imports by three months to 26 November, giving global suppliers a short reprieve from potential trade curbs while China tries to stabilise an oversupplied domestic market. Officials said the inquiry does not target any single country.

Why it matters

Possible measures (such as quotas) would hit key shippers Argentina, Australia and Brazil. The United States is already feeling pain after China failed to renew many plant registrations in March, leaving “the vast majority” of US facilities ineligible to ship and costing an estimated $4bn in lost opportunities, according to the US Meat Export Federation.

Market backdrop

China imported a record 2.87m tonnes of beef in 2024, but H1 2025 volumes fell 9.5% to 1.3m tonnes as demand slowed. Beijing has stepped up support for the cattle sector and says farm profitability has returned in recent months. Extending the probe “buys time” to see if the industry can recover without safeguards, analysts said.

What to watch next

• Whether China opts for quiet, negotiated fixes rather than formal curbs.

• Any movement on US plant re-registrations.

• Import pace into Q4 as domestic margins improve.

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Source: Reuters, 6 August 2025 — “China extends probe into imported beef, a respite for global suppliers.” Reporting by Ella Cao, Lewis Jackson and Tom Polansek. Link: https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/china-extends-probe-imported-beef-respite-global-suppliers-2025-08-06/

Original source: Gov.uk

UK Halal Meat Market: Untapped Potential for Growth

4 August 2025 — UK | The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) says ministers are overlooking the halal meat sector. The group warns Britain is “squandering a post-Brexit advantage” as rivals court high-growth markets.

AIMS says the sector is dynamic and high value at home and abroad. However, there is no formal UK programme to champion halal on trade missions. As a result, opportunities are being missed.

“The halal meat market is not a niche. It is a major global growth segment,” said Executive Director Dr Jason Aldiss BEM. “British producers, processors and certifiers can deliver high-welfare, fully traceable halal meat to world-leading standards. But without government recognition and support, international customers will look elsewhere.”
Industry projections put the global halal economy in the trillions by 2028. Therefore, AIMS wants halal promoted like Scotch whisky, Cheddar and craft gin. Specifically, it calls for trade envoys, commercial attachés and targeted export campaigns.

AIMS addresses welfare head-on. Most UK halal production is pre-stunned and all plants are FSA-inspected and fully regulated. As a result, the group argues that halal can align with high UK welfare and food-safety standards.

AIMS is also pushing for a cross-government plan. It wants DEFRA, DBT and the FCDO to meet sector representatives and design a halal export and market-development strategy. It wants clear priorities and timelines.

What AIMS is asking for

• First, active promotion of UK halal on trade missions in priority regions.
• Second, investment in UK halal assurance to strengthen integrity and consumer confidence.
• Finally, explicit inclusion of halal meat in future trade deals and export campaigns.

“This is not about deregulation,” Dr Aldiss added. “It is about intelligent engagement. If the UK is serious about growth and about promoting British food on the world stage, it cannot leave halal behind.”

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Source: AIMS press release, 4 August 2025.

UK-India Trade Deal 2025 – £6 Billion Boost and Jobs

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed the UK-India trade deal 2025. The agreement is forecast to create 2,200 new jobs and deliver a £4.8 billion annual boost to Britain’s GDP.

Deal Details

The deal is the most comprehensive trade agreement India has ever entered. It removes tariffs on 90% of UK exports to India, creating major opportunities in aerospace, manufacturing, clean energy, and financial services.

Tariffs on British whisky will drop immediately from 150% to 75%. Over the next decade, they will fall further to 40%. In addition, exports of cosmetics, medical devices, soft drinks, and lamb will benefit from reduced duties.

Industry and Government Reaction

“British pork is renowned for its quality and high welfare standards, so it’s no surprise to see global demand continuing to grow,” said Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs. “This is a tremendous win for our pork producers.”

The UK has also recently resumed pork exports to China. Moreover, this agreement supports the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to grow rural economies and secure new trade deals.

Exports Minister Gareth Thomas added:
“This is a £20 million win for British farming and a clear example of how we’re removing trade barriers and delivering fast results for UK producers.”

Market Outlook

The deal will bring £6 billion in new investment, including £5 billion in Airbus and Rolls-Royce contracts to supply aircraft and engines. It also gives UK service firms access to India’s £38 billion procurement market. Furthermore, it streamlines customs for SMEs and includes commitments on insurance and professional qualifications.

Beyond trade, the deal deepens cooperation on defence, education, climate, and technology. It builds on the UK-India Technology Security Initiative launched in 2024.

In summary, the UK-India trade deal 2025 opens one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets. It strengthens the UK’s global competitiveness and creates lasting benefits for British exporters.

UK Offal Market Worth £244m in 2025: Key Insights

The UK offal market 2025 is delivering value both at home and abroad according to recent AHDB data. Exports reached £244 million last year, while domestic sales continued to grow, albeit modestly.

Domestic Trends

From 1 June 2025, consumers spent around £30 million on primary red meat offal. That figure rose 1.8% in value, even though volumes fell 7.9% to just over 6,000 tonnes. Lamb offal remains the most popular category, accounting for over 50% of sales. Pork followed with 30%, and beef made up 19%. Notably, 11% of UK households are buying offal. While older consumers still lead purchases, there’s growing interest from families with children. This shift highlights declining volume among older shoppers, with new growth opportunities waiting in younger demographics.

Export Highlights

Exports are the backbone of the UK offal trade. Pork offal generated £162 million, with over half going to China. The EU and the Philippines also featured as key markets. Beef offal exports grew to £70 million, up from £61 million in 2023. Major destinations include France, Canada, the US, Japan, and Ghana. Meanwhile, sheep offal contributed £12 million, with 77% of it going to EU countries. Much of this trade is in fresh—not frozen—products, particularly within the EU. As such, maintaining cold-chain capacity is critical.

New Opportunities Ahead

The UK offal market 2025 offers room for innovation, especially domestically. Retail-ready formats and health messaging could broaden appeal. On the export side, there’s room to diversify beyond core markets like China and the EU. Emerging economies also show strong demand for affordable protein markets. Meanwhile, optimizing supply chains continues to offer both commercial and environmental advantages.

The full AHDB report, including export data and consumer insights, is available on the AHDB website.

GB Pig Prices Edge Up in Q2 2025 Amid Strong Demand and Export Growth

Great Britain’s pig prices showed a steady upward trend through the second quarter of 2025. The GB pig prices Q2 2025 average—the SPP for EU-spec pigs—climbed steadily from early April to early July, reaching 207.55 p/kg, a 2.79 p/kg rise.

Market Drivers

Domestic demand remains resilient, with Kantar reporting a 0.8% YoY increase in retail pig meat volumes for the 12 weeks to mid-June. This growth is largely thanks to added-value products and a seasonal boost from Easter and warm weather. Meanwhile, shoppers continue shifting from beef to pork, largely due to price differences.

EU prices rebounded in the second quarter, narrowing the gap with UK prices. By early July, the EU Grade E reference price reached 180.62 p/kg, still 27p below the GB SPP. Germany’s reinstated FMD-free status and increased seasonal demand helped fuel this rebound.

Trade Performance

UK pig meat exports rose substantially in May—10% month-on-month and 20% year-on-year, hitting nearly 27,000 tonnes. China emerged as the key destination driving growth.

Imports also increased, rising 9% from April and 3% YoY to 66,600 tonnes, boosted by stronger supply from Germany. Notably, the share of British pork on retail shelves remained stable, reinforcing domestic market strength.

Production Trends

Pig meat production remained positive. Q2 totalled 239,000 tonnes, up 1.6% YoY, supported by a similar rise in clean pig kill. Average carcase weights remained stable at around 90.3 kg. Warm weather slightly reduced weights in recent weeks.

Original reporting by AHDB 

Brazilian Meatpackers Reconsider U.S. Beef Exports Amid Tariff Pressures – July 2025

The latest Brazilian meatpackers U.S. beef exports 2025 update highlights major challenges for South America’s largest beef supplier. Exporters are rethinking their shipments to the United States after steep tariffs were reintroduced under former President Donald Trump’s trade policy.

Tariff Impact on Brazilian Beef

The U.S. government has applied new tariffs on a wide range of imported goods. These include several agricultural products, with beef among the hardest hit. Consequently, Brazilian beef now faces higher costs at the U.S. border. This change makes it less competitive when compared with American and other global suppliers.

Industry leaders warn that these tariffs could reduce export volumes. Premium beef cuts, which traditionally serve the U.S. retail and foodservice sectors, may be affected most.

Industry Response and Market Outlook

Brazilian meat companies are already exploring alternative markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. They aim to offset potential losses and reduce reliance on the American market. In addition, the meat industry lobby has urged the Brazilian government to engage Washington in talks. They want exemptions or tariff relief to protect long-term trade.

Meanwhile, analysts believe the tariffs may encourage exporters to divert beef to other regions. Increased shipments to China and North Africa are possible, while domestic processing could also see renewed investment.

Global Beef Trade Shifts

This development shows how geopolitical decisions can quickly reshape trade. Higher U.S. beef import tariffs may open opportunities for competitors such as Australia and Argentina, while creating new challenges for Brazil.

In summary, the Brazilian meatpackers U.S. beef exports 2025 report underlines how tariff changes can alter global beef flows. Exporters and UK traders should continue monitoring developments closely.

Original reporting by Reuters.

Global Food Prices Edge Up in June 2025 as Meat, Dairy and Oils Drive Gains

The global food prices June 2025 update shows a modest rise. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 128.0 points, up 0.5% from May. Declines in cereals and sugar were outweighed by gains in meat, dairy, and vegetable oils.

Key Commodity Trends

Cereals: The index fell by 1.5%, reflecting strong harvests in Argentina and Brazil. As a result, maize, sorghum, and barley prices dropped. However, wheat prices climbed due to poor weather in the EU, Russia, and the United States. Rice also eased slightly, particularly Indica varieties.

Vegetable oils: Global prices increased by 2.3%. Palm oil rose nearly 5%, supported by strong import demand. Furthermore, soy oil strengthened on expectations of higher biofuel use in Brazil and the USA. Rapeseed oil values climbed due to tight supply forecasts, while sunflower oil eased as Black Sea production improved.

Meat: The Meat Price Index gained 2.1%, hitting a record high. Bovine, pig, and ovine meat prices all moved upward. In contrast, poultry values continued to fall, reflecting ongoing market adjustments.

Dairy: The Dairy Price Index rose 0.5%. Butter reached a new record high because of limited supplies in Oceania and the EU. Cheese prices increased for the third month running. On the other hand, milk powder slipped slightly due to weak global demand.

Sugar: The Sugar Price Index declined by 5.2%, marking its fourth consecutive monthly fall. Improved harvests in Brazil, India, and Thailand drove the drop.

Market Outlook

Overall, the global food prices June 2025 report signals cautious optimism. Prices remain 5.8% higher than June 2024, yet well below the March 2022 peak. Rising meat and dairy values could support trade, but grain and sugar softness may limit wider growth.

Original reporting by Mercopress.

U.S.–China Meat Trade: Exports Plummet Amid High Tariffs and Regulatory Barriers – July 2025

The U.S.–China meat trade has experienced a dramatic downturn in 2025. Pork and beef exports to China have fallen sharply due to persistently high tariffs and unresolved regulatory issues. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, May 2025 marked one of the steepest year-on-year declines in recent trade history.

Key Factors Behind the Collapse in U.S.–China Meat Trade

• U.S. pork exports to China dropped 82 per cent year-on-year to just 6,720 metric tonnes, with export value down 77 per cent to $20.7 million.
• Beef exports to China fell 91 per cent in volume and 90 per cent in value, totalling under 1,400 metric tonnes and less than $15 million.
• Tariffs peaked in April at 172 per cent for pork and 147 per cent for beef. Although a temporary 90-day easing was announced in mid-May, rates remain high at 57 per cent for pork and 32 per cent for beef.
• China has not renewed export registrations for many U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, rendering large volumes of U.S. beef ineligible for export

Broader Trade Impacts and Global Market Shifts

Despite the sharp decline in the U.S.–China meat trade, U.S. meat exports remain strong in other regions:

• Pork exports to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Cuba are on a record pace.
• Beef exports to South Korea reached their highest monthly volume in over two years.
• Strong demand continues in Latin America, the UAE, and Africa.

Industry leaders warn that unless progress is made in U.S.–China trade negotiations before the 12 August tariff deadline, exporters may further reduce production for the Chinese market.

For related updates, see our coverage on the China–Brazil poultry trade and Australian beef exports.