Newborn lambs and the arrival of spring signal new beginnings - but is the same true for the wider sheep sector, as we settle into life after Brexit and hope for more normality as Covid-19 restrictions ease?January-trade data highlights the impact of leaving the EU and the ongoing global pandemic. Exports significantly decreased compared to the same period in 2020, with food and live animal sales into the EU down and the meat sector showing a 59% decrease.In the same period, exports to non-EU destinations also saw a decline of 19%, suggesting factors other than just Brexit.Tighter domestic supplies, higher lamb prices, lower European foodservice demand and post-Brexit trade friction around shipments into the EU all indicate some decline in UK sheep meat exports. These figures will be watched closely as more data is released.
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