HS Code:
The 'Other meat of sheep, frozen' category (HS Code: 020443) includes cuts of sheep meat that are not specifically classified under other subcategories, such as lamb or mutton, and are traded in a frozen state. This category often encompasses off-cuts, trimmings, and other processed sheep meat products that are not fresh or chilled. It is a significant segment in the global meat trade, driven by demand for affordable protein sources, especially in regions where sheep meat is a dietary staple or where frozen meat offers logistical advantages for long-distance trade.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$450 million USD
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$300 million USD
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$60 million USD
5.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
30% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as between Australia and China under ChAFTA)
Growing demand in Asia-Pacific region
Increased exports from Australia and New Zealand to countries like China and Malaysia due to rising middle-class populations and protein consumption
2021-2022
Shift towards value-added frozen products
Exporters are focusing on pre-cut and processed frozen sheep meat to meet consumer preferences for convenience, boosting trade value
2020-2022
Sustainability concerns impacting production
Pressure on exporters to adopt sustainable farming practices, potentially increasing production costs and affecting price competitiveness
2022
Further reduction of tariffs on frozen sheep meat under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), enhancing market access for Australian exporters.
January 2023
Expected to increase Australian exports to China by 10-15% over the next two years.
Post-Brexit trade agreements have led to new quotas and tariffs affecting UK sheep meat exports to the EU, causing a decline in trade volume.
Mid-2022
UK exporters are seeking alternative markets in the Middle East and Asia to offset losses.
Temporary import bans on sheep meat from certain regions due to reported outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in key exporting countries.
October 2022
Short-term disruptions in supply chains, with increased prices for frozen sheep meat in affected importing countries.