Red meat exports grow 10% in first half of year

The value of red meat exports have increased by almost 10% during the first half of 2025, driven by higher farmgate prices.

HMRC figures show that UK exports reached £966m during the first six months of the year.

UK beef exports to the EU increased in value by 19% to total £323m, despite a reduction in volumes with cattle supplies remaining tight.

See also: UK beef prices hold firm as cattle remain scarce

Jonathan Eckley, international trade development director at AHDB, said: “Despite tight supply, it was encouraging to see a 2% increase in fresh and frozen beef shipments to France.

“This is a key market for UK exporters and the only market where AHDB has a full-time team working closely with the beef and lamb supply chain to promote our world class product.

“The value of fresh and frozen shipments to non-EU markets like Canada, Ghana and Japan also highlights diversity of markets which is pivotal in terms of carcass balance and maximising opportunities for exports in as many markets as possible.”

Sheep meat exports rose in both volume and value during the first half of the year, with volumes up by 18% to 47,462t, and values increasing by 15% to £347m.

The EU remains the major market for UK lamb exports, however exports to non-EU destinations has also been increasing, with shipments up by almost 30% to 3,142t.

Pig meat exports

Pig meat exports increased in volume by 5%, with much of this product destined for China.

The AHDB calculated that offal shipments were up by almost 7% on the year to 75,000t.

Mr Eckley added that the volume of pig meat shipments to China underlined the value of the levy board’s representatives, working on the ground to support levy payer ambitions in the Chinese market.

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