EU lamb shortage grows as production declines

EU lamb production fell by around 2%, or 3 thsd tons, in the first half of 2026. Higher output in France, up 3%, and Italy, up 7%, was not enough to offset declines in several other major producing countries.

The sharpest drop was recorded in Spain, the EU’s largest lamb producer, where output fell by 5% year on year to 50.13 thsd tons. Production also declined in Greece and Ireland.

Against the backdrop of tighter supply, EU lamb prices increased in the first half of the year. The average reference price rose from around 820 pence/kg in January to nearly 900 pence/kg in late spring. Prices later corrected during the summer to around 780 pence/kg.

EU exports of fresh and frozen lamb increased by 17% in January–July to 19.4 thsd tons. Algeria remained the largest buyer, with shipments rising by 12% to 8.9 thsd tons. Exports to the UK jumped by 43% to 4.5 thsd tons.

At the same time, EU lamb imports declined by 3% to 96.5 thsd tons. New Zealand remained the largest supplier, increasing shipments by 1% to 45.8 thsd tons. Lower domestic production combined with strong exports continues to tighten lamb availability in the EU market.

Tags: EU, lamb