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One year after the implementation of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Australian red meat exports to the UK have experienced significant growth, dispelling initial concerns about an influx of lower-cost products.

According to data presented at a recent trade event by Aussie Beef & Lamb, beef exports to the UK have surged by 415%, while sheepmeat exports have risen by 85%.

The FTA, which came into effect on 31 May 2023, has facilitated a robust trading relationship between the two nations, particularly benefiting Australia's premium red meat sector.

In total, Australia exported 4,144 tonnes of beef to the UK in the first year of the agreement, with chilled grain-fed beef seeing a remarkable increase of approximately 167% since the FTA's inception.

"Our beef and lamb is really impressing the food service industry here in the UK," said Stephen Edwards, business manager for Meat & Livestock Australia, highlighting the demand for high-end products such as Wagyu and premium grain-fed beef.

Edwards notes that the UK requires around 30% of its red meat imports annually, and while Australia is making inroads, it still faces competition from major suppliers like Ireland, Argentina and France.

Despite the growth, the UK remains a relatively small market for Australian red meat, accounting for only about 2% of Australia's total global exports.

The majority of Australian red meat still heads to larger markets such as the US, Japan and the Middle East, with exports to North America reaching approximately 269,000 tonnes annually.

Seasonal fluctuations in UK production have prompted increased imports, particularly of lamb during the winter months. Notably, 80% of all chilled lamb imports from Australia are leg cuts, with November identified as the peak month for these imports.

The event also highlighted Australia's commitment to sustainability and animal welfare.

Emma Boughen, business development manager for the UK at Meat & Livestock Australia, shared insights into the industry's progress, including a 78% reduction in net carbon emissions since 2005 and a 73% decrease in water usage for cattle farming since 1985.

"When we do export to countries like the UK, the products arrive here in large shipments by boat which have a lower carbon footprint than air freight," Boughen commented. "Transport only accounts for a very small percentage of the emissions for red meat production."

She added: “In terms of animal welfare, the UK and Australia have a shared affinity in terms of food safety and the protection and humane treatment of animals. Our cattle and sheep spend the vast majority of their lives roaming freely on vast landscapes."

"And we have some of the strictest food safety procedures around so British consumers can be safe in the knowledge that the food they’re consuming meets the high standards expected here on British soil.”