Sheep meat and live sheep exports




Sheep meat and live sheep exports

Exports of sheep meat peaked in 1995, but have fallen back since then. Since 2002 there has been a marked recovery in sheep meat exports following the incidence of foot and mouth disease. In 2006, sheep meat exports totalled 89,000 tonnes.



In the 1990s live sheep exports were considerable. However, increasingly stringent welfare in transport regulations have made exports less viable and so these have declined. In 2006 live sheep exports were 100,000 head, mainly destined into EU countries.

Main destinations for UK sheep meat

France has always been the principal market for sheep meat exports, taking around 72 per cent of total UK exports. Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Irish Republic are the other main recipients of UK sheep meat. The level of sheep meat supplied to non-EU destinations is low. Switzerland was the main non-EU destination in 2004, taking just 400 tonnes.



Main cuts supplied

The overwhelming majority of UK exports of sheep meat are in the form of fresh/chilled whole or half lamb carcases. A small proportion is supplied in the form of fresh/chilled cuts and carcases of sheep (mutton). The total value of sheep meat exports in 2005 was £215.6 million.

Export regulations Although there is very little sheep meat exported to non-EU countries all exports must be accompanied by an export licence.

For more information: Services, publications and websites Defra information on International trade: Exports of live animals to European Union (EU) Member States Defra information on International trade: Exports of animal products to European Union (EU) Member States Business Link - Practical Advice on whether an import or export licence is required English Beef and Lamb Executive HCC/Welsh Meat Promotions MLC Export Department Telephone: +44 1908 844370 Fax: +44 1908 609221