Imports of beef and lamb from non-EU 27 countries into the UK have slowed in 2012, according to data released by the UK Agricultural & Horticulture Development Board.
In the six months to June, beef imports decreased 39% year-on-year, while lamb imports dropped 14%.
Sluggish consumer demand and a weak pound have affected beef and sheepmeat imports.
At the same time, production within the UK has slowed, with UK beef production in 2012 to the end of July back 7% year-on-year, to 521,000 tonnes, while sheepmeat production has decreased 1%, to 148,000 tonnes.
This has followed on from a reduction in UK cattle and sheep slaughter.
Steer slaughter dropped 5% over the time period, while sheep and lamb slaughter eased 4%.
In the seven months to July, Australian beef exports to the UK have increased 20% year-on-year, with a rise in grainfed shipments behind the jump in shipments.
In contrast, sheepmeat exports have slowed 9% year-on-year.
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Source: MLA.com
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