UK red meat exports hit £1.45bn

Despite challenges caused by the pandemic and Brexit, the industry has managed to increase the value of red MEAT exports by £33m in 2021.

2021 has been a challenging year for the red meat industry in the UK. However, according to the AHDB, the value of exports increased by £33m to reach £1.45bn. “Red meat exports were worth £1.45 billion, providing a significant financial boost to the livestock sector and supply chain. This is why building on existing and new markets is essential for the entire livestock sector,” said Dr. Phil Hadley, DIRECTOR of International Market Development, AHDB.

CHINA was the main destination for pork exports, accounting for 42% of all shipments, and other Asian markets also showed interest in this product. Pork exports to the Philippines have tripled and shipments to SOUTH KOREA have doubled, according to Jonathan Ackley, HEAD of Asia Pacific at the AHDB.

For beef, the EU remains the key market, with 71% of British beef shipped to the continent. However, Japan, which opened its doors to British beef in 2019, also posted a 48% increase in shipments in 2021. The AHDB has recently been able to open up new markets for red meat such as the US , Mexico and Chile and is now targeting Vietnam as the next market for UK pork.