Great Britain increased imports and exports of lamb in November

Much of the increase in imports comes from New Zealand and Australia. The UK imported 1,345 tonnes of sheep meat from Australia in November , more than triple the November 2022 level of 439 tonnes. Imports from Australia totaled 1,349 tonnes in October , the highest since March 2022. This growth is due to the development of transit transport between the UK and Australia.

Imports from New Zealand totaled 1,840 tonnes in November, more than double the November 2022 figure. However, over the year (January-November), total sheep meat imports from New Zealand fell by 6,623 tonnes (-21%) in 2023 compared to the previous year. This is due to a long-term downward trend in sheep meat imports from New Zealand, changing demand from the UK and New Zealand's reorientation towards closer markets such as China .

Exports of sheep meat from the UK also increased by 7% in November. The main markets were the Netherlands, France and Germany . The increase in exports is due to rising lamb prices in these countries and a recovery in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic .

Overall, the UK saw an increase in lamb imports and exports in November. The increase in imports is due to increased supplies from Australia and New Zealand, while the growth in exports is due to the recovery in demand in the EU .