The success of Ireland getting access “in principle” to supply sheepmeat to Japan is a welcome development for the sector. This is an occasion when sheepmeat isn’t the forgotten meat, but even though it is welcome news, it is important to recognise that this will at best be a small market for Irish exports.

Minority meat

Sheepmeat is the minority meat with Japanese consumers just as it is in most countries. According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) figures, in 2018 the Japanese consumed 2.78m tonnes of pigmeat, 2.6m tonnes of poultry meat and 1.32m tonnes of beef. Sheepmeat volume consumption was estimated at under 30,000 tonnes.

According to information supplied by Bord Bia, Japan produces a tiny amount – just 1% of the sheepmeat it consumes. Based on the same information, Japan imported 25,565t with Australia supplying 15,325t and New Zealand supplying 8,918t. Iceland and France supplied small amounts – 225t and 97t respectively.

Irish sheepmeat exports

Irish sheepmeat exports in 2018 amounted to 69,500t and were worth €3.15m. The main export market for Irish sheepmeat is France who take one third of our exports, followed by the UK on 17.7% of Irish sheepmeat exports. Just 9% of Irish sheepmeat exports are to destinations outside the EU with the remainder (40%) to other EU countries.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal in South Korea on the sheepmeat access to Japan, Bord Bia sheep sector manager, Declan Fennell said: “Securing market access in Japan is a significant boost to the Irish sheep industry. It's another endorsement of Irish production standards and recognition of the high regard that Ireland holds on the international stage. Growing our international presence is a key requirement for the continued success of the sector. The access builds on the investment that Bord Bia has put into the Asian market and coincides with the opening of a new Bord Bia office in Tokyo."