The volume of sheepmeat imported into Britain fell by 58,500 tonnes over the first six months of 2014. Compared with the same period in 2013, sheepmeat imports are down 7%, fuelled mainly by a 15% drop in New Zealand supplies.

As the New Zealand sheep industry turns its attention towards China at the expense of its European markets, other countries have been looking to increase their share of the EU’s import demand. Australia has recorded a 41% increase in exports to the EU, while South American countries such as Argentina and Uruguay have made export gains.