LMC analysis highlights growing share of non-EU beef imports to UK market

UK beef imports increased by almost 8% in the first quarter of 2026 comparative to the previous year, with a sharp rise in frozen beef and offal imports, the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) has reported.

Statistical analysis by LMC shows volumes of frozen beef increased by 4,605 tonnes (24.8%), meanwhile, imports of fresh beef remained stable at 44,169 tonnes and processed beef imports were little changed at 10,417 tonnes.

Providing insight, Sam Coalter, LMC Agricultural Market Analyst said, “One of the most notable trends in the past year has been the change in composition of source nations. Non-EU nations accounted for one quarter of imports in the first quarter of this year, up from 11.4% in Q1 2025. This increase ran alongside fresh beef imports from non-EU nations doubling (+98.3% to 7,310 tonnes) and frozen beef imports increasing sixfold (+497.7% to 8,950 tonnes).

“Imports from Australasia have increased rapidly this year, albeit from a low starting point, with Australia and New Zealand both benefitting from trade deals completed after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The volume of imports from New Zealand increased almost sevenfold and now accounts for 9.3% of total UK imports, while Australia’s share has risen from 2.1% to 5.0%. Brazilian imports also increased, now accounting for 9.4% of total import volume compared to 6.2% in Q1 2025.”

Meanwhile, imports from EU nations decreased in Q1 2026 to 75.0% of total UK imports compared to 88.6% in Q1 2025. Reflecting on EU imports, Sam added, “Ireland remained the UK’s largest source of imported beef in the first quarter of 2026, despite recording a year-on-year decline from almost two thirds in Q1 2025 to just over half (52.8%) in the comparative period for 2026. Poland and the Netherlands followed as the next largest sources of EU beef imports to the UK, with combined imports totalling 6,830 tonnes equating to 8.3% of total UK imports.”

Looking to the rest of 2026, Sam commented, “The Q1 2026 data indicates a continued diversification of the UK’s beef import supply base. Although EU countries accounted for three quarters of total imports during the period, increased volumes from New Zealand, Australia and Brazil resulted in non-EU suppliers accounting for a larger share of the UK market than in Q1 2025, largely reflecting lower imports from Ireland. These trends are likely to continue in the near term as Australia and New Zealand continue to utilise available quotas under UK trade agreements, with the UK remaining a relatively high-value market for beef exports.

“At the same time, changing global demand patterns, including increased protectionist measures in key markets such as China aimed at supporting domestic beef production, may further influence global trade flows. Analysis from GIRA, a leading global agricultural consultancy, indicates that Australia had used 90% of its annual beef quota with China by the end of May. However, low cattle herds and continuing strong consumer demand in the United States will continue to pull beef imports from around the world and support global demand.”