Despite the increased production of beef over the past six months, the UK remains 80 per cent self-sufficient and will remain an importer of beef in the future, according to Stuart Ashworth, head of economic services at Quality Meat Scotland.
When beef exports are taken into account, which although under pressure from high prices and strong sterling exchange rates amount to around 10 per cent of total UK production, approximately 30 per cent of the beef consumed in the UK comes from abroad.
"The biggest supplier to the UK is Ireland who account for around 70 per cent of beef imports. Beef imports from the rest of the EU amount to around 20 per cent leaving 10 per cent to come from countries outside the EU," explained Mr Ashworth.
"There has been some recent comment about supplies reaching the UK from Poland, but UK customs data suggest hardly any change in Polish activity with the UK. Indeed, Polish beef supplies to the UK were only slightly higher in the first five months of 2014 than they were in the same period of last year, at 2,900t. Nevertheless, they amounted to less than 0.75 per cent of UK beef supplies."
Polish imports into the Republic of Eire are much lower than the quantities reaching the UK direct from Poland and declined in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013.
Poland has, however, had an influence on the European market and over the past two years it has increased trade with other EU states, particularly since mid-2013.
"According to Eurostat data, during 2013 Poland exported about 250,000t of beef to the EU - 40,000 more than in 2012 and 70,000t more than 2011," said Mr Ashworth.
"In contrast, during 2013 the UK exported around 100,000t of beef to the EU. Almost 70 per cent of Polish exports to the EU go to Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands While some of this beef may reach the UK from these countries, it will remain negligible compared to the total UK supplies. Where the challenge emerges is in greater competition in these European markets for UK and Irish beef exporters," added Mr Ashworth.
Market round-up
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 3346 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £107 per head and 215p per kg to average 175p (+6p on the week).
A very large show of 5908 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £136 for Texels and average £82.32 (+£6.23), while light ewes peaked at £87 for Cheviots and levelled at £45.60 (+£3.86). Rams sold to £182 for a Texel and averaged £96.75 (+£7.12).
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