Despite the cost of living crisis affecting most parts of the world, the value of the UK’s red meat exports reached its highest levels since records began – worth a massive £1.7bn last year, partially driven by the increased price of meat.

According to the latest data from HMRC, the total value of red meat shipments increased 22% year-on-year – with more than 609,000 tonnes exported around the world – up 9%.

Beef exports brought the biggest boost to the figures, with the value of shipments rising just shy of 46% to £640m – driven by the recovery of trade with the EU. Pig meat exports reached £623m, up almost 10%, followed by sheep meat exports which were valued at £503m – a rise of 13% year-on-year.

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.”

Japan proved an important market for beef with 3175 tonnes shipped last year – worth £16.3m, a 68% rise in value. Canada has also increased its imports of beef from the UK, with shipments worth £13.1m – a 77% rise year-on-year.

The amount of pig meat exported last year increased 6% to 372,597 tonnes, with China remaining the largest importer of pork from the UK, taking 126,723 tonnes last year, valued at almost £203m.

The Philippines remains the world’s third biggest importer of pig meat from the UK, with exports up 33% to 33,861 tonnes, worth £52m. Shipments to the US increased to almost £28m.

Sheep meat exports were up 7.8% in volume to 78,844 tonnes – with the lion’s share destined for the EU, making up 94% of the total shipments.

“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,” concluded Dr Hadley.