Live exports of cattle for the first half of 2016 are down almost 25% on 2015 levels. Total cattle exported in 2016 amount to 90,462 head compared to 120,232 head in 2015. The difference amounts to a decrease of 24.6%, according to Bord Bia figures from 1 January to 18 June.

Northern Ireland (NI) and the Netherlands are the two largest live export markets for Irish cattle and both have imported significantly fewer cattle in 2016.

NI normally imports heavy cattle for further finishing but almost 12,000 (46%) fewer cattle have moved north of the border this year. Poor finishing prices in NI earlier this spring and a recovery of sterling against the euro since the turn of the year severely dampened this trade.

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The Netherlands is a key market for calf exports which will not impact domestic prices until late 2017, while exports to Spain and Italy are up on 2015. The main buying season for the Italian market is in September. Combined with the prospect of the Turkish market, they could take a sizeable number of weanlings out of the system this autumn.