UK Meat Exports to EU Fall Sharply Since Brexit

UK meat exports to the European Union have dropped significantly since Brexit, with poultry, beef and lamb shipments all declining.

According to reporting by The Independent, citing analysis from the National Farmers’ Union of HMRC data, British farm product exports to the EU have fallen by almost 40% overall.

The poultry sector has seen the steepest decline, with exports down 37.7%, followed by beef exports falling 23.6% and lamb shipments dropping by around 14%. Industry leaders say new trade barriers and administrative requirements have made exporting to EU markets significantly more difficult.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw warned that even if trade conditions improved, rebuilding lost EU market share would take time and sustained effort.

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Source: The Independent (via AOL) | 7 March 2026

Irish PM Urges China to Reopen Market to Irish Beef

Ireland’s prime minister has called on China to reopen its market to Irish beef exports during a state visit to Beijing.

According to reporting by Reuters via The Standard, Taoiseach Micheál Martin raised the issue with Chinese officials during a five day diplomatic visit. The visit was aimed at strengthening trade relations.

Irish beef exports to China have been suspended since 2024 following a BSE case. The visit comes as China introduces new beef import quotas and additional tariffs affecting global suppliers.

Martin also raised concerns about China’s recently introduced dairy tariffs, which impact Ireland’s €6 billion annual dairy export trade. He highlighted the broader importance of Chinese market access for the Irish agri food sector.

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Source: The Standard (Reuters) | 7 March 2026

Cultivated Meat Industry Faces Funding Slowdown as Market Hype Cools

The cultivated meat investment slowdown is becoming evident as investment in the sector is slowing and companies face rising costs and uncertain consumer demand.

According to reporting by The Independent, several alternative protein firms are now scaling back expansion plans after early optimism around lab grown meat markets. Industry executives say high production costs and regulatory hurdles remain significant barriers to large scale commercialisation.

Some companies are shifting focus towards niche markets or hybrid products combining plant based ingredients with cultivated animal cells. Meanwhile, major food brands and restaurant chains are continuing to monitor the sector cautiously as regulators in Europe and the United States evaluate approval frameworks.

Analysts suggest the sector may now enter a consolidation phase as investors prioritise companies capable of scaling production and reaching price parity with conventional meat.

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Source: The Independent | 5 March 2026

EU Pork Exporters Face Tougher Outlook as China Tariffs Bite

European pork exporters are preparing for a more difficult trading environment in 2026 as Chinese tariffs and rising competition from Brazil reshape global trade flows.

According to reporting by S&P Global, Chinese tariffs on EU pork products are beginning to weigh on export demand, while expanding Brazilian shipments are increasing pressure in price sensitive markets.

China has historically been one of the most important destinations for European pork, particularly for offal and secondary cuts. However, weaker demand combined with higher tariffs could reduce volumes shipped from the EU, forcing exporters to compete more aggressively in alternative markets.

Industry analysts warn that Brazilian expansion, supported by competitive pricing and growing production capacity, could further intensify competition for global market share during 2026.

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Source: S&P Global | 5 March 2026

EU Moves Toward Ban on “Meaty” Names for Plant Based Products

The European Union is considering new rules that would restrict the use of traditional meat related terms on vegetarian and vegan products.

According to reporting by The Guardian, proposals being discussed would prevent plant based foods from using names commonly associated with meat products. Terms such as steak, sausage or burger could be limited if the products do not contain meat.

Supporters of the proposal argue the move would reduce consumer confusion and ensure clearer food labelling. Critics, including some plant based producers, warn the restrictions could limit marketing flexibility and create regulatory complexity across the EU food sector.

The debate reflects broader tensions between traditional livestock industries and the rapidly growing plant based food market, with labelling rules becoming an increasingly contested policy area.

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Source: The Guardian | 5 March 2026

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Brazilian Beef Exports

Brazilian beef exporters are scaling back shipments as the escalating conflict in the Middle East increases freight costs and disrupts logistics.

According to reporting by The Beef Site, the head of the Brazilian beef exporters’ association Abiec, Roberto Perosa, told Reuters that container freight costs from South America to the Middle East have in some cases tripled to around $6,000.

The Middle East accounts for roughly 10% of Brazil’s direct beef exports, but the region also acts as a key transit corridor for shipments to Southeast Asia and China. Industry sources estimate that between 30% and 40% of Brazilian beef shipments pass through the region, meaning ongoing disruption could have wider implications for global supply chains.

Exporters are now monitoring the situation closely, with prolonged instability likely to increase logistical bottlenecks and redirect trade flows in international beef markets.

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Source: The Beef Site | 4 March 2026

South Korean Meat Prices Surge as ASF and Bird Flu Reduce Supply

Retail meat prices in South Korea have risen sharply as disease outbreaks reduce domestic livestock supply.

According to reporting by Korea JoongAng Daily, pork belly prices have climbed 13.5% year on year, while domestic beef tenderloin has increased by 10.8%. Broiler chicken prices are also up 11.1% amid ongoing supply disruption.

South Korean authorities have recorded 22 cases of African swine fever so far in 2026, compared with six cases reported during the whole of 2025. More than 50 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have also been recorded during the winter season, further tightening supply.

Imported beef prices have risen even more sharply. US beef prices increased by 63.7%, reflecting the combined impact of global market pressures and a weaker Korean won.

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Source: Korea JoongAng Daily | 5 March 2026

Turkey Sector Chosen for UK Avian Influenza Vaccine Trials

The UK has launched its first field trials of a vaccine against highly pathogenic avian influenza. These UK bird flu vaccine trials are focusing on turkey production in England.

According to reporting by Farmers Guide, the 24 week programme has been approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. It will assess vaccine effectiveness in commercial settings. The trials aim to generate data that could support the future use of vaccination as part of the UK’s avian influenza control strategy.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has become a recurring challenge for the UK poultry sector. Government and industry estimates suggest outbreaks can cost up to £174 million per year. This is due to culling, control measures and wider trade disruption.

Results from the trials are expected to help inform long term policy on disease prevention across the UK poultry industry.

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Source: Farmers Guide | 5 March 2026

Irish Angus factory bonus scheme to introduce genetics and sustainability payments

The Certified Irish Angus factory breed bonus scheme is set for significant changes from September 2026. This will happen under a new payment structure.

According to reporting by the Agriland, the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group has agreed a revised bonus system with processors ABP Food Group and Kepak.

The updated model will divide the payment into three components. Farmers will receive a base Angus bonus of €0.10 per kg. They will also receive a genetics bonus of €0.05 per kg and a sustainability bonus of €0.05 per kg. These changes are designed to encourage genetic improvement. Additionally, they will reward participation in environmental and sustainability programmes.

The programme has grown substantially over the past decade. Angus sired calf births in Ireland increased by around 82% during that period.

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Source: Agriland | 4 March 2026

African Swine Fever Detected in 16 European Countries in Early 2026

African swine fever has been confirmed across 16 European countries during the first two months of 2026, highlighting ongoing disease pressure across the region’s pig sector.

According to reporting by Pig World, the Animal and Plant Health Agency recorded nearly 2,000 ASF cases between January and late February. Significant developments include continued spread in Spain’s Catalonia region, where 162 cases were reported in wild boar, and expansion of the disease in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia, now within around 70 kilometres of the French border.

APHA has assessed the risk of African swine fever entering Great Britain through illegal pork imports as high, underlining the importance of strict border controls and biosecurity awareness within the UK pig industry.

The situation continues to be closely monitored as European authorities attempt to contain outbreaks in both wild and domestic pig populations.

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Source: Pig World | 3 March 2026