Northern Ireland livestock market to reopen for Irish cattle

Cross border cattle trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland is expected to resume within days following bluetongue related restrictions earlier this year.

According to reporting by the Irish Farmers Journal, exports of breeding and store cattle, along with sheep, were suspended after bluetongue virus was detected in Co Wexford in January 2026. Officials in Brussels have now agreed draft wording for an EU derogation that will allow the trade to fully reopen.

The decision is expected to provide relief to marts, exporters and Northern Ireland farmers who rely heavily on cross border livestock movements. Industry participants say the reopening of the market should help restore normal trading flows across the island.

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Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 4 March 2026

MPs Warn Border Check Loophole Could Increase UK Disease Risk

MPs have warned that trucks importing meat and dairy products into the UK are avoiding border inspection checks. This raises concerns about potential disease risks to the livestock sector.

According to reporting by BBC News, under the current post-Brexit system, commercial consignments entering through Dover are inspected at the inland border control post in Sevington, near Ashford. They are inspected there rather than at the port itself.

Data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs shows a rise in so-called “drive-bys”, where vehicles flagged for checks fail to attend the Sevington facility. For example, in November 2025, around 18% of flagged consignments of animal products did not present for inspection. This is compared with 8% in August.

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee said the situation could increase the risk of diseases entering the UK, including African swine fever and Foot and Mouth Disease. Committee chair Alistair Carmichael described the system as “dysfunctional”. He warned that inadequate enforcement could allow illegal animal products to enter the country.

Defra said non attendance at Sevington constitutes a breach of regulations. Authorities are expected to follow up on any violations.

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Source: BBC News | 4 March 2026

Brazilian Pork Exports Hit Record High Despite China Slowdown

Brazilian pork exports reached a record 1.64 million tonnes in 2025 despite a significant slowdown in Chinese demand.

According to a market update from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, shipments increased by 13% year on year. The Philippines overtook China as Brazil’s largest export destination after imports surged by around 60%.

Exports to China fell by roughly 34% due to weaker import demand, marking a notable shift in global pork trade flows. The report highlights that Brazil’s continued export expansion could intensify competition in price sensitive markets, particularly for offal and secondary cuts where the UK also competes internationally.

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Source: AHDB | 4 March 2026

AHDB Warns of Rising Australasian Beef and Lamb Imports to UK

Growing imports of beef and lamb from Australia and New Zealand are expected to increase competition in the UK market as free trade agreement quotas expand.

According to analysis from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, import volumes are likely to rise steadily through to 2032 as tariff free quotas under the UK’s trade deals with Australia and New Zealand continue to expand.

New Zealand utilised around 95% of its available beef quota in 2025, while Australia shipped just 29% of its permitted volume. The disparity suggests there is significant capacity for further growth in Australian exports to the UK as the year progresses.

The AHDB report highlights that increasing imports from the Southern Hemisphere could add competitive pressure to the UK red meat sector, particularly during seasonal supply peaks.

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Source: AHDB | 4 March 2026

Irish Poultry Sector Seeks Compensation for Bird Flu Losses

Irish poultry farmers are urging the government to introduce a compensation scheme for producers affected by avian influenza restrictions.

According to reporting by Agriland, Monaghan County Council has formally called on Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon to implement a support scheme. This scheme would be modelled on a recently introduced French programme.

Monaghan is Ireland’s largest poultry producing county. Farmers in the region have reported significant income losses during bird flu exclusion periods when birds cannot be moved or sold. Industry representatives say producers currently receive no financial support during these restrictions.

Senators are now seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister of State. They aim to discuss the proposal and explore possible support mechanisms for affected poultry businesses.

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Source: Agriland | 3 March 2026

US Democrats Propose Bill Targeting Break Up of Major Meatpackers

US Senate Democrats are preparing legislation aimed at restructuring the country’s largest meatpacking companies.

According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, the proposal led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer would prevent a single company from processing more than one type of meat. Under the plan, major processors such as Tyson Foods could be required to divest certain business units. This could include beef operations.

The legislation would also trigger a review of foreign owned meat companies operating in the United States. This includes JBS and WH Group. The initiative is being positioned as an effort to address high US beef prices and concerns around industry concentration.

Following reports of the proposal, shares in JBS fell around 4.2%. Meanwhile, Smithfield Foods declined by roughly 3.4%. This reflects investor concerns about potential regulatory intervention.

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Source: The Wall Street Journal | 3 March 2026

China Meat Rejections Surge Amid Rising Trade Tensions

Chinese authorities have reportedly increased rejections of imported meat shipments as trade tensions intensify.

According to reporting by RFD-TV, a growing number of meat consignments have been rejected at Chinese ports in recent weeks. The development comes against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical and trade friction, raising concerns among global exporters.

Industry sources suggest that stricter inspections and certification scrutiny are contributing to delays and rejections, potentially disrupting established supply routes. Exporters reliant on the Chinese market may face increased compliance pressure and logistical uncertainty if the trend continues.

The situation highlights the sensitivity of global protein trade to political developments and regulatory enforcement.

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Source: RFD-TV | 2 March 2026

Avara Foods Signals Recovery and Targets Return to Profit

UK poultry processor Avara Foods has stated that its operational recovery is complete as it looks to return to profitability.

According to reporting by Poultry News, the company indicated that restructuring measures and performance improvements have stabilised the business following a challenging trading period. Management has signalled confidence in improved market conditions and internal efficiencies supporting a return to profit.

The update comes as the UK poultry sector continues to navigate cost pressures, supply chain adjustments and retail pricing dynamics. A sustained recovery at one of the country’s largest poultry producers will be closely watched across the broader protein market.

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Source: Poultry News | 2 March 2026

Foyle Food Group Ships First Tariff Free British Beef to US

The first tariff free shipment of British beef under the UK US Economic Prosperity Deal has landed in the United States.

According to GOV.UK, the consignment was dispatched by Foyle Food Group. This marks the first use of the new 13,000 tonne annual tariff free quota agreed between the two countries. If fully utilised, the quota is estimated to be worth up to £70 million per year to UK exporters.

The development coincides with the UK’s first dedicated agri food trade mission to Washington DC, led by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds. The agreement is intended to improve market access for British beef and strengthen bilateral trade ties. Export volumes will depend on competitiveness and US buyer demand.

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Source: GOV.UK | 2 March 2026

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Australian Red Meat Export Routes

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has begun to disrupt Australian red meat exports to key regional markets.

According to reporting by Beef Central, port closures and restricted airspace across parts of the region have impacted shipments to the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Chilled lamb and grainfed beef transported via Middle Eastern carriers have been immediately affected. Meanwhile, maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz has been significantly curtailed.

Industry participants have warned that if disruption extends beyond one to two weeks, exporters may be forced to divert product to alternative destinations. Prolonged instability could create logistical bottlenecks and pricing pressure in both export and domestic markets.

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Source: Beef Central | 2 March 2026