Irish beef hit as UK imports surge from Australia, New Zealand

UK beef imports from Ireland plunged 13.4% as new trade deals with Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil doubled the non-EU supply, hitting Irish farmers.

Imports of Irish beef to the UK fell by 13.4% in the first two months of this year, to 28,305 tonnes.

The UK’s imports of Irish beef in the first two months were 13.4% lower in 2026 than 2025.

And a flood of beef from Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil is the likely reason.