UK beef sales up in June

 Data from the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) shows UK beef exports in June are now higher than they were during the same period in 2020.

UK fresh and frozen beef exports are up 4% in June from the same month last year, according to the latest data. UK beef exports are up 13% month-on-month to 9,700 tons in June.

Exports to France showed the largest increase compared to the same period last year, increasing by 350 tons to 1,300 tons in a month. Some exporters are now finding it easier to EXPORT their produce to France and ship the MEAT further from there to other European markets, especially if the same shipment has multiple scheduled destinations. This probably explains the increase in the supply of all types of meat to France since January 1st. Deliveries to Ireland and Hong Kong also increased, by 330 tons and 250 tons respectively.

Monthly exports to both EU and non-EU countries have been on an upward trend since January. However, in June, total exports to the EU were still below the level of the previous year, although by only 3%. Meanwhile, shipments to non-EU countries rose year-over-year, up 24% year-over-year.

In the year to date, the UK has exported 45,300 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef, down 25% from the same period in 2020.

UK imports of fresh and frozen beef also rose in June, up 9% year on year to 20,900 tons. This is 24% more than the previous month. Imports from Ireland increased most noticeably, rising by 600 tons.

Imports from Uruguay (430 tons) and Poland (400 tons) also increased, although supplies from these countries still represent a small share of total beef imports.

Domestic beef production was below last year's levels due to declining stocks of cattle and relatively stable carcass weights leading to this decline. The decline in production, coupled with the reopening of catering establishments, could boost demand for imported beef as consumers shift back to eating out. The current high domestic prices may further contribute to this as products on the continent become more price-competitive.

The UK has imported 100,000 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef this year, down 10% from the same period in 2020.