Despite a decrease in lamb prices in France and Spain due to a decline in the EU sheep population, leading to reduced slaughtering and increased global exports, Ireland has seen a decrease in lamb prices, contradicting the EU trend. This decrease is due to increased production and reduced demand in Ireland. However, the lower prices have made Irish lamb more competitive in the EU market, leading to a 5.7% increase in exports to the EU in January. Similarly, the UK has experienced lower lamb prices but has recently seen an increase due to religious festivals and strong continental prices. The relationship between GB and EU prices and the EU market balance will be key in determining export competitiveness for the UK.