HCC’s latest market bulletin, released this week, looks at HMRC data on trade figures for fresh and frozen red meat products in the first six months of 2025.
Key points:
- In the first half of 2025, UK beef production fell by 4% compared to the same period in 2024.
- During the same period, sheep meat production saw a rise of 3%, whilst pig meat production grew by 4% on the year.
- What does this mean for the industry? Tighter UK beef supplies and strong farmgate prices are supporting higher export values but constraining volumes. As the sustained high prices filter through to consumers, this may alter the demand for product. Increased shipments of sheep meat suggests it has remained competitive on the global market despite strong domestic prices, supported by steady demand from the EU (particularly France). This has supported the sector whilst production has been rising.
For the full analysis of the data, click HERE to read September’s Market Bulletin. It also includes a monthly market round-up on prices and throughput of cattle, sheep and pigs.
