UK red meat exports soar to unprecedented heights
22nd February 2023
The value of UK red meat exports has reached record levels in 2022, amounting to a staggering £1.7 billion, partly due to the rising prices of meat throughout last year.
According to HMRC data, the total value of red meat shipments increased 22 per cent year-on-year, with over 609,000 tonnes exported globally, a nine per cent increase on 2021.
Beef exports made up the majority of the gain, the value of which is up nearly 46 per cent totalling £640 million, as a result of the recovery of trade with the EU. Whereas, pig meat exports increased by almost 10 per cent to £623 million, while sheep meat exports rose by 13 per cent year-on-year to £503 million.
AHDB international market development director Dr Phil Hadley said: “We are thrilled by these latest figures, which show 2022 was an incredibly strong year for all three of our red meat sectors, with values at their highest since records began in 2009.
“Last year, we saw strong growth in some of our key target markets, such as Canada, Japan and Europe, which remains the UK’s most valuable market. We also saw new opportunities created for pork exports to Chile and lamb to the US, which both have the potential to help bolster these figures over the coming year.”
A large part of AHDB’s work concerns securing market access and international trade opportunities on behalf of levy payers, in partnership with the UK government and industry. The organisation’s role includes supporting:
- Export health certification
- Site approvals for export
- Inspection audits from overseas Government officials
- Facilitating trade development in key strategic markets
- Presence at key trade shows and buyer events
In 2022, Japan proved a prominent market for beef, importing 3,175 tonnes worth £16.3 million, a 68 per cent rise in value compared to the previous year. Canada has also increased its shipments of beef from the UK, with imports worth a total of £13.1 million, representing a 77 per cent rise year-on-year.
With regards to the pig sector, the amount of pig meat exported last year rose by six per cent to 372,597 tonnes, with China remaining the largest importer, taking 126,723 tonnes valued at almost £203 million.
Meanwhile, the Philippines continues to be the world’s third biggest importer of pig meat from the UK, with exports up 33 per cent to 33,861 tonnes, worth £52 million. Shipments to the US have also seen an increase, with last year’s exports amounting to almost £28 million.
Continuing the trend, sheep meat exports were also up 7.8 per cent in volume to 78,844 tonnes, with the EU taking the largest share, importing 94 per cent of the total shipments.
Dr Hadley added: “These figures show the value of exports, and the benefits new markets bring to the UK’s red meat sectors. We will continue to work with government and wider industry to identify and open new markets for our exporters to ensure our meat is enjoyed in more countries around the world.”
