UK beef exports rise in October - AHDB
Exports likely limited by lower production
5 January 2024
1 minute read
By: UK fresh and frozen beef exports rose into October, with volumes up 17% month-on-month, totalling 9,692t according to the UK's Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), which cited HMRC data. This rise comes after relatively steady exports seen through the first three quarters of 2023. However, export volumes throughout the year have remained below those seen in 2022. Year-on-year volumes for October sat 4% below 2022 figures.
When looking at the year to date (Jan-Oct), the UK exported 74,396t of beef to the EU compared to 88,198t for the same period in 2022, a decline of 16%. Exports have likely been limited by lower production and strong GB cattle prices in 2023, limiting competitiveness of UK beef.
The monthly rise into October was largely driven by increased demand from countries including Ireland (+17%), France (+29%) and the Netherlands (+25%). Exports to non-EU destinations also rose, such as Hong Kong (+39% since September). Trends suggest this is a seasonal movement, supported by exporter buying in the run up to the Christmas period.
Additionally, exports of beef offal increased year-on-year by 6%, totalling 2,293t in October. However, for the year-to-date (Jan-Oct), offal shipments remained lower than last year (-9%), primarily driven by lower exports to the EU.
