The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has said that UK beef exports remain “subdued” compared to 2022 levels, despite strengthening in October 2023.
UK fresh and frozen beef exports rose into October, with volumes up 17% month-on-month, totalling 9,692t according to HMRC data.
AHDB analyst Ella Roberts said 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 (YOY) volumes for October sat 422t (-4%) below 2022 figures,” she said.
“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 driven by increased demand from countries like 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, AHDB said.
Additionally, exports of beef offal increased YOY 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.
Beef imports
UK imports of beef for October 2023 totalled 19,638t, down 7% YOY but up 7% since September.
Data showed that GB prime cattle production and slaughter rates in September and October were down YOY, with some tightness in the domestic supply chain.
“This has likely further driven growth in imports to cater for seasonal demand in the tail end of the year,” Roberts said.
“However, volumes remained below previous years rates, likely constrained by reduced UK consumption levels.”
Shipments from Ireland rose by 6% from September into October to 14,269t, taking the year-to-date total to 83,629t.
Historical trends suggests this is a seasonal uplift to meet Christmas demand, however volumes remained below those seen in October 2022.
“This came despite the price differential between Irish and GB cattle reaching its widest point during the month (Irish R3 steers averaged at a discount of 91p in the 4 weeks to 29 October),” Roberts said.
“Since October, the price differential has narrowed further to 65p in the week beginning 18 December. GB cattle prices remain firm on the global market.”
