Farmers in New Zealand and Australia are reaping the rewards of China’s insatiable demand for meat.

Sheep prices: Balance of power shifts to sellers" target="_blank">Prices are running at record levels, with New Zealand’s farm-gate price running at the equivalent of €4.97/kg, a 20c/kg on the same week in 2018.

Australian farm-gate prices are also running 20c/kg above 2018 levels at an average of €4.57/kg.

Growth in Chinese sheepmeat imports was climbing steadily in recent years but has rocketed since African swine fever hit. Sheepmeat imports by China jumped by 38,000t from January to August 2019.

Australia has taken huge advantage of this, reporting a 35,000t increase in exports to China, rising to just shy of 120,000t for the period January to October.

Of major note for EU farmers, China is likely to become New Zealand’s main market for sheepmeat in 2018.

Beef and Lamb New Zealand reports exports to the Chinese market for the 2018/2019 season rising by over 20,00t to reach 130,000t.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed held a bilateral meeting this week with Vice Minister Hu of the General Administration of Customs China (GACC) to discuss access for Irish sheepmeat to the Chinese market.

Lamb quotes this week are up 10c/kg to 15/ckg on last week, but prices paid are up by as much as 25c/kg.

In Northern Ireland, lamb prices have increased by 30p/kg.