Mart trade defies weak exports

THE lamb trade for the week opened with little change from last week in the factory prices, but some of the quotes were eased back a little for Tuesday, knocking 3 to 6 cents/kg (1p to 2p/lb) off the previous day’s pricing.

In the marts, trade was generally strong, with prices improved by up to €1/head, while markets on the continent are reported to be quiet, not unusual for this time of the year.

On Tuesday, factory prices were ranging from 350 back to 344 cents/kg (125p to 123p/lb), with supplies to the processors hovering slightly ahead of corresponding weeks in 2003.