Live export recovery driven by Northern Irish demand

Live exports are currently running some 31,789 head behind the comparable period in 2019, Bord Bia figures show. While this is a substantial figure, a slight recovery has been witnessed in recent weeks. The main reason for the lower numbers has been the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw reduced demand across our main export markets – particularly for veal and, as a result, dairy-bred calves. However, the Spanish market – one of the chief importers of Irish calves – has continued to recover and exports are now just 9,396 head or 11% behind 2019 levels. Despite this, the same can not be said for the Dutch market, with exports running over 41% lower than the same period in 2019. Exports to this country stand at 48,615 head – a decrease of 34,457 head. Saying that, the biggest talking point when it comes to live exports has been the Northern Irish market and – to a somewhat lesser extent – the UK market. Up until the week ending August 23, 39,531 animals had been moved north of the border ...