Increased demand for quality British beef from key EU and non-EU markets saw increased red meat exports in the first half of 2024.

Latest figures from HMRC show that from January to June, total UK red meat exports were up 2% in volume on the year at 260,000 tonnes or £860m – an increase in value of 2% on the same period in 2023.

Total beef shipments for the period increased by 11% in both value and volume, largely driven by demand from non-EU markets, as well as major markets in northern Europe.

Volume shipments to non-EU markets in the first half of the year were up 37% on 2023 levels, while beef exports to France and the Netherlands – the UK’s biggest markets in the EU – increased by 6% and 15% respectively.

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Jonathan Eckley, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) head of international trade development, said: “The figures for total red meat exports in the first half of 2024 are encouraging. Last year red meat exports totalled £1.7bn for the year, equalling the record set in 2022, and exporters are on target to achieve that again in 2024.

“Beef exports have been the standout success in the first half of 2024. Demand from our major markets in northern Europe has remained robust, while the increase in volume of shipments to non-EU markets, particularly in West Africa, illustrates again the importance of carcase balance with beef offal volumes up 10%.”

While the volume of sheep meat exports in the first half of 2024 fell 8% on the year their value saw a 9% increase, reflecting tight supplies and high livestock prices.

Shipments for the period to France were worth £163m, up 23%, with exports to the Netherlands valued at £12m, a rise of 60%, while sheep meat sales to Belgium, coming in at £41m, represent a 39% improvement on the year.

Mr Eckley added: “Sheep meat exports were under pressure in the first half of the year due to tight production, but are still critical to the sector, with 30% being exported, equalling exports from last year. As we have seen with beef, demand has held up in several of our major European markets, demonstrating continuing robust demand for quality British lamb.”

Pig meat export volumes for the first half of 2024 were down 2%. However, volumes to the Philippines, where AHDB attended the WOFEX trade show, were up 23% on the year. Volume increases to the US, where AHDB also been very active in-market this year, increased 4% on the year, while volumes to South Africa jumped by 42%.