The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has raised concerns over a significant increase in sheep meat imports to the UK.

According to UK Government trade figures, 67,880 tonnes of sheep meat were imported in 2024, a 40 per cent increase on the previous year.

This is the highest level since 2018.

Imports from New Zealand and Australia, which increased by 14,300 tonnes and 6,500 tonnes respectively, now account for 86 per cent of UK sheep meat imports, up from 78 per cent in 2023.

Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) analysis attributes the rise to lower prices from the Southern Hemisphere, new Free Trade Agreements, and record deadweight prices in the UK.

UK sheep meat production declined by 7 per cent in 2024, while beef production increased by 4 per cent, according to DEFRA data.

Alun Owen, FUW regional vice-president, said: "The surge in sheep meat imports from New Zealand and Australia poses a very real threat that could undermine the livelihoods of Welsh sheep farmers and the sustainability of our rural communities.

"Increasingly we are witnessing a potential displacement of high-quality Welsh and UK lamb - a product of world-leading sustainable farming practices - in favour of imports that have travelled thousands of miles."

Gareth Parry, FUW head of policy, added: "The tighter throughput of livestock across the UK reflects current confidence levels of the sector, whilst the resulting record-high prices are causing difficulties for processors and retailers across the supply chain which, in part, increases the attractiveness of cheaper imports.

"In reality, however, inherent to the increase in food imports is a reduction in the UK’s food security, both through the displacement of domestic production and through additional reliance on food produced many thousands of miles away."

The FUW has long warned that previous governments' liberal trade negotiations with New Zealand and Australia could undermine Welsh farmers and domestic food production.