The latest meat and livestock exports increased by 4% to €3.5 billion in 2021. This is according to the Export Performance and Prospects 2021/2022 report published by Bord Bia on January 12, 2022. The figures indicate strong performance despite last year’s challenges.
Individual sectors experienced differing market trends. The state agency found a strong demand and higher prices in beef and sheepmeat, but a weaker market for poultry and pigmeat. Meat and livestock exports rose by 7% compared to 2019.
Beef exports increased in value by 9%, and were worth €2.1 billion during the year. The report stated that, “This growth was underpinned by sustained strong demand and higher prices in the UK and EU markets. After a slow start in the first quarter, Irish exporters were able to work their way through the new trading realities with the UK, and volumes increased.”
“The price environment was positive, due to a tightness of supply in the UK and also in key EU markets.” Ireland’s export values grew, despite an 11% year-on-year reduction in export volume.
The value of sheepmeat exports increased strongly for the second year in a row, rising by 15% to €420 million, resulting in an “extremely positive” market.
Bord Bia deduced that, “Lower export capacity in New Zealand due to reduced production levels and a redirection of its product away from the EU meant there was less New Zealand lamb available in our key export markets. The reduced availability of imported sheepmeat in the EU market had a positive impact on the demand and opportunities for Irish sheepmeat.”
LSL News.