Beef and Lamb Exports Continue to Grow

Beef and Lamb Exports Continue to Grow
2009-06-03

The value of UK beef exports leapt by more than 50 per cent on the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year, new figures have revealed.

Fresh and frozen beef and veal exports were up to £64.2 million compared to £42.3 million in 2008 - a rise of almost 52 per cent. Meanwhile, mutton and lamb exports were up 27 per cent, from £62.8 million to £79.7 million.

Richard Lowe, Chief Executive of EBLEX, said: "Primarily the growth in the value of exports is down to the relative weakness of Sterling against the Euro, but it is worth stressing that this feeds right through to livestock prices. In Sterling terms, exporters are able to sell our meat abroad for higher prices than a year ago, and importers have to pay higher Sterling equivalent prices for imported meat.

"One only needs to look back at the hugely depressive effect on livestock prices of us being out of the European market through FMD restrictions in recent years to understand the positive impact of the export market for home livestock prices.

"The challenge is to exploit current favourable trading conditions in European markets and secure new listings which could become permanent even if currency moves against us."

The figures were published in the latest UK Market Survey.

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