UK beef trade drops back in New Year

By Bronwyn Magee As of January 2021 data, the way HMRC collects trade data has changed, which will be reflected in the trade statistics. Comparisons between this and historic data should be treated with caution, and may well be subject to future revision. Exports According to the latest data from HMRC, UK beef exports dropped back notably in January. UK exports of fresh and frozen beef fell 9,100 tonnes on the year, to total just 2,200 tonnes. Shipments to all major export destinations declined in January. Exports to Ireland, typically the largest export destination for UK beef, fell by 3,400 tonnes, totalling 200 tonnes in the first month of the year. Shipments to Netherlands and France also declined, totalling 200 tonnes and 150 tonnes respectively. Exports to South Africa and Ghana grew notably, but being relatively small customers, this was not enough to outweigh losses to Europe. The value of UK exports also recorded a decline, dropping back £34.4 million compared to the same ...