50 • URNER BARRY'S REPORTER / VOL. 19, NO. 1 / WINTER 2024
UK beef imports and exports
down on weak demand
IMPORTS
According to data from Global Trade Tracker, fresh and frozen
beef imports totaled 164,671 MT in the nine months ending in
September; 4.1% down from 2022. Some market participants have
linked this to a drop in domestic beef demand, which could be
caused by food price inflation and cost-of-living increases. UK
beef imports primarily come from the European Union. Despite a
0.4% decrease, Irish beef continues to dominate UK beef imports.
Irish imports totaled 119,850 MT and made up 72% of total UK
beef imports.
Another significant player in the UK beef import market is Poland,
the sixth largest producer of beef in the EU, after France, Germany,
Italy, Spain, and Ireland. In recent years, 84-94% of Polish beef
production has been exported. Beef shipments from Poland into
the UK grew by 9.6% from last year, accounting for 7.3% of total UK
beef imports.
Imports from the Netherlands and Germany fell by 18.4% and
50.5% respectively compared to the equivalent period in 2022,
while shipments from France grew by 53.7% during the same
period. The three EU countries combined accounted for 11.9% of
UK beef imports.
Outside the EU, Brazilian shipments into the UK increased by
6.9% from 2022. The UK has lifted reinforced inspections on meat
products from Brazil after examining the country's control system in
October 2022. The decision covers consignments of beef, poultry,
and meat products from Brazil to England, Scotland, and Wales.
In May 2023 the UK-Australia and the UK-New Zealand free trade
agreements came into effect, improving market access for New
Zealand and Australian beef producers and exporters into the UK.
Shipments from New Zealand and Australia were significantly up
by 72.3% and 45.6% respectively, however these increases were
from lower bases. The two countries together contributed 1.3% of
total imports.
EXPORTS
For the period January 2023 to September 2023, the UK was a
net importer of beef. Total fresh and frozen beef exports were
74,662 MT, a 19.9% decrease from the previous year. Ireland
remains the leading destination for UK beef with shipments of
25,534 MT, down 8.6% from last year, followed by France and
the Netherlands, which were also down 25.27% and 22.28%,
respectively. Exports to Hong Kong increased by 21.1%.
Meanwhile in the domestic markets, higher interest rates and
inflationary pressure remain common topics that participants
indicated are hindering beef demand. While demand for VLs
normally tends to be more even throughout the year compared to
other cuts, in recent weeks, market participants are seeing some
unusual declines in orders from foodservice, manufacturing as well
as exports to Europe. Prices for standard VLs have plunged below
the 52-week low price points, with 95% standard VL's trading at
£3.00-£4.50/KG.
Article contributed by Dineo Komane
dineo.komane@urnerbarry.com
UK beef trade review…
£2.00
£2.50
£3.00
£3.50
£4.00
£4.50
£5.00
£5.50
£6.00
£6.50
£7.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
£/KG Urner Barry - UK BEEF Standard 95% VL
Source: Urner Barry
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