Sheep-meat imports into the EU for the first quarter of 2017 recorded the lowest volumes for some years almost entirely the result of reduced shipments from New Zealand, according to AHDB Beef & Lamb. This has helped the UK market in particular which has taken the brunt of the fall.
The total amounted to only 40,300 tonnes, a decrease of 24 per cent compared to the previous year and the lowest level since at least 1999. The later onset of Easter this year might have shifted the time scale demand for lamb, with Easter falling inside the first quarter of 2016, but even allowing for this, trade is well down this year.
The fall in imports from New Zealand was as much as 28 per cent although its trade still accounted for 86 per cent of EU imports in the first quarter of 2017. The falling breeding flock there and the consequential decline in slaughtering is resulting in tight supplies on the global market. Coupled with this, New Zealand has benefited from firmer alternative markets, such as China, which are showing stronger demand as an export destination in contrast with the EU. The weakness of the euro and especially sterling in the last year has contributed to the fall in trade.
The second largest supplier of sheep meat into the EU, Australia, recorded an increase of one quarter to 4,000 tonnes in the first three months of the year. However, such growth was insufficient to offset shortages of New Zealand product.
Reflecting the tightening global supply and weakness of the euro the overall unit import price increased compared to the first quarter of 2016, up by 7 per cent in terms of Euros.
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 256 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1290 per head and 262.3p per kg to average £848.50 and 224.3p (+2.6p on the fortnight), while 206 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1280 and 265.3p to level at £910.09 and 235.5p (no change). Seventy-six store, dairy-bred bullocks sold to £845 and 176.3p to average £744.07 and 159.1p (+0.8p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 3579 prime hoggs to a top of £120 per head and 252p per kg to average 200p (+7.4p on the week), while 62 prime lambs peaked at £114 and 265p to level at 230.5p (+15.7p).
The firm also had 3540 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £1360 for Texels and averaged £76.90 (-£6.90), while light ewes peaked at £78 for Lleyns and levelled at £49.23 (-£1.81). Rams sold to £142 for a Suffolk and averaged £91.46.
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