Lower production and strong exports tighten EU sheep meat supplies

EU sheep meat supplies are tightening in 2026 as production declines in several key producing countries while export demand remains firm. According to AHDB, EU sheep meat output in January-June fell by around 2% year-on-year, or roughly 3 thsd tons.

Spain made the largest contribution to the decline, with production down 5% to 50.13 thsd tons. Output also fell in Greece and Ireland, while France and Italy increased production by 3% and 7%, respectively, but these gains were not enough to offset the overall decrease.

At the same time, EU exports of fresh and frozen sheep meat rose by 17% in January-July to 19.4 thsd tons. Shipments to Algeria increased by 12% to 8.9 thsd tons, while exports to the UK jumped 43% to 4.5 thsd tons.

EU sheep meat imports fell by 3% over the same period to 96.5 thsd tons. Shipments from the UK declined by 6% and imports from Australia fell by 9%, while New Zealand remained the largest supplier at 45.8 thsd tons.

Lower production, high feed, energy and labour costs, and declining flock numbers are limiting the EU’s ability to quickly rebuild supplies. This could support sheep meat prices and create additional opportunities for suppliers to the European market.

Tags: sheep meat, export, EU