The value of sheepmeat exports dropped 9 percent, while beef was down by 6 percent. Photo: 123RF
Volatility in global markets has resulted in red-meat exports for January falling to a five year low.
They dropped 8 percent compared to the same month last year to a value of $759 million.
The Meat Industry Association said that was the lowest January result since 2019.
New figures show while the overall volume of meat being exported in January remained steady - the value of sheepmeat exports fell 9 percent and beef by 6 percent.
MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the main reason behind the drop was softer demand from China - exports there were down 21 percent year-on-year.
"Clearly, challenges remain for our red meat exporters.
"However, overall exports to the United States were up 10 percent to $182m and to the UK by 34 percent to $38m."
Karapeeva said the volume of chilled sheepmeat exports also increased by 48 percent overall, to 4311 tonnes.
"While this reflects a recovery from low levels of chilled exports in the last two January periods, it is positive given the logistics disruptions of recent months."
