The United Kingdom increased its beef exports and imports in October but they are still below those of 2022

Thus, British exports of fresh and frozen beef increased in October, with a month-on-month increase of 17%, reaching a total of 9,692 tonnes, according to HMRC data. This increase follows the relatively stable exports recorded during the first three quarters of 2023. However, export volumes throughout the year have remained below those recorded in 2022. Year-on-year volumes for October stood at 422 tonnes (-4%) below the 2022 figures. So far this year (January-October), the United Kingdom exported 74,396 tonnes of beef to the EU, compared to 88,198 tonnes in the same period in 2022, a decrease of 16%. Exports are likely to have been limited by lower production and strong British cattle prices in 2023, limiting the competitiveness of British beef. The monthly rise in October was largely due to increased demand from countries such as Ireland (+17%), France (+29%) and the Netherlands (+25%). Exports to non-EU destinations, such as Hong Kong, also increased (+39% since September). ...