Cattle sales outside the State are running at 15% behind the levels of this time 12 months ago, but marginally ahead of two years ago, according to data from Bord Bia.

Following the first 20 weeks trading of 2026, a total of 202,916 head were exported from the country. This is 36,186 behind the same time last year.

All categories of stock have taken a hit but adult cattle and weanlings have been impacted most. Up to 17 May, 15,528 adult cattle and 14,794 weanlings were sold to overseas buyers. This marks a reduction of 31% and 27% respectfully compared to the same period a year ago.

Stores are 20% below last year while calves have performed best at 11% behind last year’s figures. Steady demand for Irish calves sees the Netherlands remain top of the pile and while there was some uncertainty to its export destination future, it has been the most consistent overseas market this year.

Bluetongue restrictions impacted Poland and Northern Ireland in particular and along with a challenging beef market in Spain, reduced exports to all three countries have been a major contributor to the decline from the highs of 2025.

Poland has been the biggest loss. Having cemented itself in the top five destinations for Irish cattle in recent years, it was virtually shut off as an option for much of this year. This year, 571 calves have gone there, a colossal fall from 21,555 head for the same time in 2025.

Northern Ireland

Trade with Northern Ireland is 26% behind last year with 20,017 head going north this spring compared to 27,045 head a year ago.

There been a solid recovery in the movement of cattle north from March through to May.

Much of the trade there is predominantly finished cattle and downward pressure on UK beef prices may see demand in this market ease in coming weeks.

Beef prices in Spain have not hit the levels of last year and, as a result, buyers there have not been as active as they were a year ago. While the Spanish market has still accounted for 63,533 head, it is 16% below 2025 levels.

While Poland has been a loss to the calf trade, improved demand from Italy and especially from Croatia have absorbed some of the impact of the loss of the Polish market when it comes to calves.

There has been a 5% increase in the numbers traded to Italy with demand from there largely coming for high grade weanlings and calves.

The Croatian market has edged into the top five of export destinations as it accounted for 8,322 head.