UK imports of fresh and frozen beef were recorded at approximately 16,500t for the month of May. This represents a significant reduction of 2,700t or 14% on the corresponding period in 2019.

AHDB red meat analyst Rebecca Wright reports that almost half of this decline resulted from lower imports from Ireland. This was attributed to reducing processing capacity due to COVID-19 and this statement is backed up by analysis of the Department of Agriculture weekly kill figures.

Throughput in the five-week period from the week commencing 27 April to the week commencing 25 May was recorded at 138,821 head, a decline of 24,584 head on the corresponding five-week period in 2019.

Decline

The decline in exports from Ireland and lower reserves of beef in the UK is said to have contributed to increased demand during the months of June and July. It will be a few weeks, however, before data is available to confirm this statement.

Meanwhile, UK imports of processed beef also fell significantly from 3,700t to 1,500t during May. In the region of 60% of this beef is corned beef, with AHDB reporting the vast majority of this beef is imported from Brazil.

Reduced exports

The UK also reported a reduction in exports with volumes traded falling by 1,100t to 8,900t.

There was no one market responsible for the reduction with small declines recorded to almost all markets.

Wright highlights disruption to normal market behaviour due to COVID-19 and increased demand on the domestic market as being a significant contributor.

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