Irish Live Cattle Exports Surge in Early 2025

Introduction 

The Irish live cattle export sector has had an exceptionally strong start to 2025, with a sharp rise in shipments to key European markets, particularly Spain and Italy. According to Bord Bia, by 25 January 2025, Ireland had exported 2,424 cattle to Spain, an increase of more than 2,300 head compared to the same period in 2024. Similarly, exports to Italy soared to 1,138 head, up from just 317 in early 2024.

Closer to home, exports to Northern Ireland also rose significantly, reaching 2,290 cattle, an increase of over 400 head. This surge reflects a combination of factors, including strong demand for Irish beef in European markets, favourable price differences, and a well-established export infrastructure that enables smooth trade flows.

As a result, agents and exporters are seeing growing opportunities, particularly for high-quality weanlings and store cattle, which are in strong demand for wholesale markets and abattoirs abroad.

Why Spain and Italy Are Increasing Their Imports

The rise in live exports to Spain and Italy is no coincidence. Both countries have a strong tradition of finishing imported cattle, with well-developed feedlot and intensive production systems that require a steady supply of quality stock.

Spain: A Major Growth Market
Spain has emerged as one of the most important markets for Irish live cattle. The surge in exports – from just over 100 cattle last year to more than 2,400 this year – is largely driven by demand from Spanish beef finishers looking to secure quality weanlings for their feedlots. Spanish buyers prefer Irish cattle because they have:

• Strong genetics – Continental breeds such as Charolais, Limousin, and Belgian Blue perform exceptionally well in Spain’s intensive systems.
• Rapid weight gain potential – Irish cattle adapt well to Spanish feeding programmes, producing high-value beef cuts.
• A reliable supply – With tight domestic supplies in Spain, importers are turning to Ireland to meet growing demand.

Italy: A Long-Standing Partner
Italy has always been a strong market for Irish cattle, particularly for high-quality continental breeds.

• The increase from 317 head in early 2024 to 1,138 head this year suggests Italian wholesalers and abattoirs are actively sourcing Irish cattle to meet demand in their premium beef sector.
• Italian consumers favour high-quality beef, and Irish store cattle are particularly well-suited for premium veal and beef production.

Northern Ireland: A Growing Market Close to Home

While exports to Spain and Italy have surged, Northern Ireland remains a key and consistent market for Irish cattle. In the first seven months of 2024, around 42,400 cattle were exported across the border, reinforcing the deep-rooted trade links between the two regions. This cross-border movement of cattle has long been a feature of the Irish beef industry, with Northern Irish processors relying on a steady supply of Irish livestock to meet demand.

One of the biggest drivers behind this trade is competitive pricing. Northern Irish processors continue to pay strong prices for Irish cattle, particularly store and finished cattle destined for the wholesale trade and abattoirs. Price differentials between Ireland and the UK make the export trade attractive, with young store cattle in Ireland averaging €293 per 100kg (excluding VAT) in mid-2024. Meanwhile, beef prices in the UK have risen steadily, reaching £3.46 per kilogram, an increase of over 30 pence since the start of the year.

A key factor supporting this demand is the tightening UK beef supply. While UK beef production was expected to reach 933,000 tonnes in 2024, a 4% increase from the previous year, forecasts for 2025 suggest a 5% drop, bringing output down to 885,000 tonnes. With fewer cattle available and steady consumer demand, Northern Irish buyers are likely to remain active in the Irish market, sourcing cattle to fill supply gaps.

This ongoing trade benefits both sides. For Irish farmers, Northern Ireland provides a reliable and accessible market, helping to support cattle prices. For Northern Irish buyers, Irish cattle offer a high-quality and consistent supply at a competitive price. As UK beef production is set to decline further in 2025, the outlook for live exports to Northern Ireland remains strong, ensuring that this well-established trade link continues to thrive.

What’s Driving This Export Boom?

The surge in live cattle exports in early 2025 is the result of several key factors:

• Strong European Beef Prices – European beef demand remains robust, particularly in Spain and Italy, where high-quality Irish cattle are well suited to intensive production systems.
• Favourable Price Differentials – The price gap between Irish cattle and their European counterparts allows exporters to offer competitive deals, making Irish cattle more attractive.
• High Demand for Weanlings and Store Cattle – Irish Charolais, Limousin, and Belgian Blue crosses remain in high demand across Europe, especially in feedlot systems.
• Improved Transport and Infrastructure – Ireland’s export network is well-developed, with efficient shipping routes that ensure Irish cattle reach their destinations in top condition.
• Tighter European Cattle Supply – Many European countries are facing declining domestic cattle numbers, meaning buyers must look abroad to fill the gap.

What This Means for Farmers and Exporters

For Irish farmers, the growth in live exports provides greater market opportunities and could help stabilise prices, particularly for weanlings and store cattle. As demand for Irish cattle increases, farmers can expect stronger competition from export buyers, potentially boosting farmgate prices.

For exporters and agents, the surge in demand is creating new business opportunities, particularly for those dealing in high-quality cattle destined for Spain, Italy, and Northern Ireland. However, it remains crucial for exporters to maintain high animal welfare and health standards, ensuring compliance with strict EU regulations to keep these markets open.

Future Projections for Irish Beef and Live Exports

Looking ahead, all signs point to continued growth in Irish live cattle exports. Several key market trends suggest that demand for Irish cattle will remain strong throughout 2025 and beyond:

• Tightening European Cattle Supply – Beef production in the EU and UK is expected to decline further in 2025, creating more demand for imported cattle.
• Global Beef Demand Remains Strong – According to Bord Bia, demand for high-quality beef is expected to increase globally, with economic growth supporting higher meat consumption.
• Higher Value of Irish Live Exports – In 2024, the value of Irish live exports reached €340 million, a 30% increase from the previous year. This growth is expected to continue in 2025.
  
• Ireland’s Cattle Kill is Expected to Decline – Bord Bia forecasts a 71,000 head (4%) decline in Irish cattle slaughter in 2025, largely due to increased live exports and a shrinking domestic herd. This could push live export demand even higher.

However, challenges remain. Regulatory changes, currency fluctuations, and logistics will continue to play a role in shaping live export trends. Ireland’s ability to maintain high animal welfare and transport standards will also be crucial in keeping key markets open.

Conclusion

Ireland’s live cattle exports have had a strong start to 2025, with rising demand from Spain, Italy, and Northern Ireland. Strong European beef prices, tightening cattle supplies, and favourable price differences have created valuable opportunities for farmers and exporters.

For farmers, increased exports mean more market options and greater price stability, particularly for weanlings and store cattle. Exporters are also benefiting, with Irish cattle in high demand for their quality and suitability for finishing systems abroad. However, maintaining welfare and health standards remains crucial.

With European and UK cattle supplies expected to decline further, demand for Irish cattle is likely to grow. While challenges such as market fluctuations and regulations remain, Ireland’s reputation for quality livestock and reliable supply puts it in a strong position for another successful year in 2025.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.