Good prospect for exports despite UK’s shrinking herd

Falling numbers of beef and sheep in the UK will make future export expansion a challenge, but continued access to overseas markets remains crucial to maximise carcass value, according to the AHDB.

Presenting to overseas buyers in London on Thursday (5 June), AHDB senior analyst Hannah Clarke explained that UK meat exports had been on a 10-year upward trajectory, reaching a record £1.77bn in 2024.

See also: UK meat exports hit record high in 2024

Changing market dynamics meant 40% of meat exports were now to non-EU countries, with UK meat now sold in 110 different countries, earning valuable revenue for each sector, she added.

Export markets were especially important for achieving carcass balance, said Ms Clarke, with sales of offal accounting for one-third of trade in volume terms, bringing in some £244m of revenue from around the world last year.

“That fifth quarter is absolutely crucial, no matter what we produce domestically,” she said.

Contraction 

There was no doubt the recent contraction in livestock numbers – partly triggered by the high market prices for cull animals – presented a challenge in terms of sustaining export growth.

Recent trade figures, for example, show beef exports (including offal) fell by 11% in the first quarter of 2025 to 31,000t, though the value of those sales climbed 14% to £169.7m due to market firmness.

There was, however, a small (3%) increases in the volume of sheepmeat exports to £22,600t, with an 8% rise in value to £164.5m, while pigmeat sales climbed 4% to 72,800t, but with a 3% drop in value to £125.7m.

International trade development director Jonathan Eckley also stressed the importance of pushing for exports, with a focus on delivering the right product to the right market at the right price.

“We can’t shy away from it – we have high livestock prices in the UK. We are a small island,” he said. “But we have a really, really good product.”

Mr Eckley acknowledged that, after years of steady growth, tighter domestic production might put a check on things.

“The important thing is the proportion of our production that we export.

Potential 

“Despite the challenges and the blips in the road we are going to see – either political or economic – the long term potential is good.

“Population and income will continue to grow, even in a volatile world, and it will drive demand. It is really important that we maintain our position.”

Mr Eckley recognised the stiff competition UK exporters faced, especially from Australia and New Zealand, with their innate export culture and lower priced product.

But, given the UK’s strong selling points of high animal welfare, traceability, sustainability and eating quality, combined with the work of export companies, the AHDB and government food attaches, the opportunities for growth remained.

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