DUBLIN: Irish sheepmeat exports to the UK are likely to come under increased pressure this year, as UK sheep numbers will remain high in 2016.
The UK market is of major importance to the Irish sheep industry, as it is the second largest buyer of Irish sheepmeat.
And, an increase in domestic supplies in the UK could dampen the demand for Irish sheepmeat products on the UK market.
Bord Bia figures put Irish exports to the UK at approximately 13,000t in 2015, making it Ireland’s second largest export market after France.
Figures from Bord Bia show that the UK accounted for over 20% of Ireland’s sheepmeat exports in 2014, nearly 50% lower on a volume basis than exports to France.
Recent changes in the currency market could also impact on the volume of sheepmeat exported from Ireland to the UK.
A weaker Sterling makes Irish lamb more expensive in the UK and at the same time makes UK lamb better value for buyers in the UK and the important French market.
