Sheep meat imports




Sheep meat imports

The UK is a net importer of sheep meat. Imports of sheep meat peaked at around 227,000 tonnes in 1982 but have since dropped to 129,000 tonnes in 2006. Although significant numbers of live sheep were imported in the past this trade has virtually stopped.



Main suppliers of sheep meat

Over three quarters of imports are from non EU countries (88%), of which the most is supplied by New Zealand and Australia. From the rest of the EU there are some imports from the Irish Republic, the Netherlands, Spain and France but together these only make up 12 per cent of total supplies.



Main cuts supplied

As such a large proportion of imports comes from New Zealand and Australia, a large proportion is imported frozen. However, improvements in packaging, storage and transport have allowed an increasing amount of chilled product to be imported in recent years, and almost a quarter now comes in this form. Whilst bone-in cuts are the most frequently imported, an increasing amount of boneless cuts are being imported, all supplied from New Zealand. Over three quarters of imports are from non EU countries (88%), of which the most is supplied by New Zealand and Australia.

Import regulations All sheep meat imported into the UK from outside the EU comes in under an annual quota. This allows a specified quantity of sheep meat to be imported from specific countries without the payment of import tariffs and customs duties. If imports are made outside the quota then these are payable. Import licences are required for all imports from non-EU countries.

For more information: Services, publications and websites Defra information on International trade: Imports Defra International Trade information on Imports - General Licences Business Link - Practical Advice on whether an import or export licence is required