US and Canada continue to be key markets for UK red meat
Beef shipments expected to slow as quota has been reached
15 September 2022
3 minute read
According to an AHDB news release, ppork exports from the UK to America topped £17 million in the first half of the year – up a massive 74% from the same time last year.
According to the latest figures from HMRC, the US is proving to be a growing market for UK red meat exports, with nearly 5,000 tonnes of pork shipped from January to June.
America has also imported 805 tonnes of beef from the UK, worth £5.2 million. However, shipments will slow for the remainder of 2022 as the beef import quota has been filled, which means UK exporters now face a tariff of 26.4%.
Lamb from the UK could soon compliment the pork and beef export figures, with the first commercial shipments expected to commence later this year.
“The US continues to be an important market for our red meat exports," said AHDB senior export manager Susana Morris. "While beef shipments are expected to slow, our pork exports remain strong and the prospect of UK lamb arriving in America later this year, provides us with a great deal of optimism for the remainder of 2022.”
Red meat exports to Canada have also increased significantly this year, with beef shipments up nearly 58% to 1,924 tonnes – worth £7.4 million. Canada has also imported £4.8 million worth of pork, which is up 31 per cent, and almost £1.5 million worth of lamb – up from £629,000 during the same period last year.
The US and Canada continue to be a key focus for AHDB’s export team, with activity taking place throughout the year to help develop crucial relationships with importers and grow shipments to both countries.
Last month, five of America’s most respected red meat importers joined AHDB on a five-day mission to explore opportunities for UK lamb, ahead of the first commercial exports.
During their visit, the delegation attended the NSA Show in Malvern, where they got to meet key players in the UK sheep sector as well as hearing presentations from AHDB experts, Red Tractor and the NSA.
AHDB also attended the RC Show 2022 in Toronto in May, with two exporters to highlight the UK’s high animal welfare standards, as well as sustainability and traceability of produce to potential importers. AHDB will be returning to Toronto early next year.
“Over the next 12 months, there is a great deal of activity planned to raise the profile of our red meat in these two key target markets," Morris added. "We will be with our exporters at trade shows and exhibitions, helping them to make valuable connections with potential importers so that our export work can help bring a much-needed boost to their businesses, something levy payers have confirmed is critical to the sector's success.”
