Sheepmeat availability within the EU remains limited, and as a result, Europe continues to rely heavily on major international suppliers to meet its demand. Data up to September show that the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia are the three key players supplying sheepmeat to European markets.
In the first nine months of the year, the United Kingdom increased its exports by 15%, reaching 68,300 tonnes, driven by lower EU production and high prices within the European market. France, Belgium and the Netherlands remain the main European destinations for British lamb.
Meanwhile, New Zealand maintains a stable export flow, totalling around 37,900 tonnes, confirming its strategic role as a consistent supplier for both the European and global markets.
The most significant growth comes from Australia, which has boosted its shipments by 39%, rising from 13,800 t to 19,200 t between January and September. Greater tariff-free access to the UK and the diversion of product from Asian markets help explain this expansion.
Among European suppliers, Ireland has reduced its exports by 12%, reflecting tighter domestic availability and increasing difficulty competing with southern hemisphere producers.
Overall, these trends confirm that the EU remains highly dependent on external suppliers to ensure its sheepmeat supply—a key factor for maintaining stability in the European market.
