Strong demand for UK lamb on international markets bolstered red meat exports in 2023 to the tune of £1.7bn.

Full year figures from HMRC show that in 2023, red meat exports, including offal, achieved a similar level in value to the record year of 2022, backed up by the performance of exports of sheep meat, particularly to the EU.

The total value of red meat shipments to the EU during the period was up 2% on the year at £1.3bn while volumes fell by 12% on the year.

Within this figure, sheep meat exports to France – the UK’s largest market – increasing by 23% in value to £292m and 23% in volume on the year to 45,000t. Elsewhere shipments to Germany were up by 15% to £108m and in volume by 12%. The overall value of sheep meat exports, increased by 11.7% to £562m.

Sheep meat exports to non-EU markets rose by 10% in volume but were down 15% in value, with shipments to Ghana leading the way. Exports to Ghana experienced a year-on-year increase in volume of 11% at around 1200t and in value by 12% to £1.4m. It follows successful trade missions to Ghana and the Côte d’Ivoire last year to fly the flag for British red meat, set up business partnerships and meet buyers in the burgeoning markets.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB head of international trade development, said: “Sheep meat exports were undoubtedly the standout success of 2023, driven by demand from high-value markets in Europe like France and evolving markets in West Africa.

“Not only does this underline the ongoing importance of the European market, particularly France, for the sheep meat sector, but also the crucial role that carcase balance plays in adding value to exports. Increasing the volume and value of shipments of product with little domestic demand in the UK to a broad portfolio of markets clearly underlines this.” While sheep meat exports thrived in 2023, beef exports fell by 15% in volume and 9% in value, due to strong domestic demand and weaker demand from Europe. Exports of beef offal, critical for carcase balance, to non-EU markets did, however, increase by 12% in value and 19% in volume.

Pig meat export volumes in 2023 were down 20%, with the value falling by 9% amid lower production in the UK and subdued demand in Asia.

Mr. Eckley added: “It’s important to recognise the challenges that have faced the beef and pig meat sectors. Lower production and subdued demand from Asia has undoubtedly impacted the pig meat sector.

“The beef sector has experienced similar challenges in terms of falling production, although exports of beef offal to non-EU markets were encouraging. However, exports still returned significant added value to the pork and beef sectors here in the UK, adding £570m and £583m respectively,” he said.