UK: Beef exports up, imports down in 2022

During the year, import volumes exceeded 2021 volumes in the first two quarters, but fell below last year's levels in the second half of the year. This is partly due to the fact that in the first half of 2021 (immediately after leaving the EU), trade volume was below average.

Total beef imports mainly come from the EU, with Ireland remaining a key supplier, although volumes have declined in 2022. Outside the EU, imports from South America have increased year on year since 2021. 

The value of total beef imports reached £1.24 billion in 2022, up £65.4 million from 2021, i.e. 16%. Since January 2022, the value of beef imports has increased by 39% from £78m to £108m. This comes against the backdrop of mounting inflationary pressures and rising beef prices. Indeed, the average price per unit of imported fresh and frozen beef was £5,300 per ton in 2022, compared to an average price of £4,200 in 2021.

Beef exports in December amounted to 10,300 tons, slightly less (-177 tons) compared to December 2021. The total EXPORT volume in 2022 was 123,700 tons, which is 20% (20,800 tons) more than in 2021. The increase in exports in 2022 occurred mainly in the first two quarters, while the last two quarters remained closer to the volumes observed in 2021.

Boneless beef continued to make up the majority of exports in 2022, especially to the EU as shipments to non-EU countries declined. While more boneless beef was shipped to the EU all year than in 2021, volumes have been declining on a monthly basis since March. At the same time, the volume of shipped beef on the bones and beef carcasses increased compared to last year.  

The total value of beef exports in 2022 reached just over £540 million, up 48% from 2021. The average beef supply price rose 23% year on year to £4,400 per tonne.