British beef exports experienced a robust performance from both EU and non-EU markets during the first half of 2024, as reported by the latest figures from the AHDB.

The AHDB shows that red meat exports were valued at £860m from January to June this year, reflecting a 2% rise in value compared to the same time last year.

The report further reveals that the amount of red meat exports also increased by 2% compared to last year's figures, reaching a total of 260,000t.

Overall, British beef trade grew by 11% in both value and volume, primarily driven by demand from non-EU markets, which surged by 37% from 2023 levels, along with strong demand from northern European markets, according to the AHDB.

Beef exports to France and the Netherlands—UK’s largest markets within the EU—increased by 6% and 15% respectively, according to the AHDB.

Head of International Trade Development at AHDB Jonathan Eckley stated: “The figures for total red meat exports in the first half of 2024 are encouraging.

“Last year red meat exports totalled £1.7b for the year, equalling the record set in 2022, and exporters are on target to achieve that again in 2024. Beef exports have been the standout success in the first half of 2024.

“Demand from our major markets in northern Europe such as France and the Netherlands has remained robust, while the increase in volume of shipments to non-EU markets, particularly in West Africa, illustrates again the importance of carcase balance with beef offal volumes up 10%.”

Despite an 8% decline in the volume of sheep meat exports in the first half of 2024 compared to last year, their value increased by 9%, which reflects tight supplies and improved livestock prices. Shipments to France were valued at £163m (up 23%), the Netherlands at £12m (up 60%), and Belgium at £41m (up 39%).

Eckley added: “Sheep meat exports have been under pressure in the first half of the year due to tight production, but are still critical to the sector, with 30% being exported, equalling exports from last year.

“As we have seen with beef, demand has held up in several of our major European markets, demonstrating continuing robust demand for quality British lamb.”

On the other hand, pig meat export volumes decreased by 2% in the first half of 2024; however, volumes to the Philippines, where AHDB participated in the WOFEX trade show earlier this year, increased by 23%, while shipments to South Africa surged by 42% and to the US by 4%.

“While it’s always disappointing to see a fall in volume, there are some positive signals, like beef, carcase balance remains an important factor for the pork sector, and volumes of fifth quarter products exported in the first half of the year are level with the same period in 2023, which is encouraging.

“AHDB remains committed to helping drive export growth for quality British red meat and dairy and has an extensive programme of activity planned for the remainder of 2024 to support our levy payers.

“This includes a trade mission to South Africa and participation in trade shows in China, the US and of course SIAL Paris in October – the world’s leading trade show of the year.

“We will continue to work with industry and Government to cultivate the opportunities for high-quality red meat and dairy on the global stage, showcasing quality British produce and connecting with key buyers from around the world.” Eckley said.