Sheep and goat meat market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the UK sheep and goat meat market volume grew by 1.6% to 582 thousand tonnes, supported by shifting consumer preferences towards fresh and processed meat products. These trends began in 2018 and strengthened demand throughout the period.

The market contracted over the next two years, falling by 3.2% in 2020 due to supply chain and logistics disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A further 3.4% drop followed in 2021 as a 15% increase in average import prices significantly reduced the volume of sheep meat entering the country.

A recovery occurred in 2022, with market volume rising 3.4% to 563 thousand tonnes. This growth was driven by a 3% increase in imports, notably from Australia, and expanded domestic processing activity. However, the market declined again in 2023, decreasing by 4.5% to 538 thousand tonnes amidst general market fluctuations.

Production sheep and goat meat in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom ranked as the world's 11th largest producer of sheep and goat meat.

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2018-2021

Sheep and goat meat production in the United Kingdom fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 566 thousand tonnes, representing a moderate 4.4% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production dropped by 2.1%, with an average annual decline of 0.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 614 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports sheep and goat meat from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, t

The United Kingdom's exports of sheep and goat meat declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 70 112 tonnes, down 20.5% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 15.8%, translating to an average annual decrease of 5.6%. The peak export volume occurred in 2019 at 95 146 tonnes, which also marked the largest annual growth of 14.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, France, Germany, and Ireland were the key destinations for the United Kingdom's sheep and goat meat exports by volume. France accounted for 42.5% of exports, Germany for 18.7%, and Ireland for 10.7%. Together, these three markets represented 71.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of the United Kingdom's sheep and goat meat exports rose for the third year running. In 2021, exports totaled $603.9 million US dollars, a 7.0% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 23.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During the 2018-2021 period, France, Germany, and Belgium remained the primary markets for the United Kingdom's sheep and goat meat exports by value. France represented 45.0% of export value, Germany 17.7%, and Belgium 11.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 74.1% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports sheep and goat meat to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, t

The United Kingdom's imports of sheep and goat meat decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 48 197 tonnes, a sharp 19.1% drop year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 38.1%, with an average annual decline of 14.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland were the leading suppliers of sheep and goat meat to the United Kingdom by volume. New Zealand accounted for 64.2% of imports, Australia for 13.8%, and Ireland for 10.3%. Together, these three sources made up 88.3% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of sheep and goat meat imports into the United Kingdom amounted to $367.5 million US dollars, reflecting a significant 10.2% year-over-year decline. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 26.4%, with an average annual drop of 9.7%. The largest annual decrease occurred in 2019 at 20.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, New Zealand and Australia dominated the value of sheep and goat meat imports into the United Kingdom, while other markets individually played a smaller role.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021