Lamb production in the EU falls

EU mutton production in the first six months of 2021 was 200,000 tons, 11,000 tons less than a year earlier, according to Eurostat data. The top three producers are Spain, France and Ireland, which together account for nearly two-thirds of production.

Imports to the bloc are down markedly this year, by 13,000 tons to 43,700 tons in the first five months of 2021. The UK, New Zealand and Australia have historically been the largest suppliers. There are several factors contributing to the decline. Firstly, catering is mostly closed due to COVID-19 restrictions , and this sector is the main consumer of imported lamb. Since the end of the transition period in January 2021, trade tensions have also increased between the UK and the EU. In addition, transport costs have risen worldwide, which is likely to reduce the competitiveness of New Zealand and Australian lamb in the European market. .