Live lamb export in the performance of Hungary’s sheep sector

Fenyves, Veronika – Ertsey, Imre

Keywords: sheep sector, lamb trade, average weight, price fluctuation, production structure

The EU has a long-term need for the import of lambs and kids. More than 90% of Hungary’s exported sheep meat is for the Italian market, while most of the remainder goes to the Greek market. Over 90% of the sheep sector’s return from sales – 2-13 billion Ft – comes from the lamb trade. The number of pieces of Hungarian lamb exported fell in the period examined, whilst the amount sold increased slightly. The average weight hardly changed. By 2005 prices had increased by 89.5% in comparison to 1998. Prices are steady in the lower weight categories with greater price fluctuations above 30 kg, increasing sales risk. During the period examined, the sales weight per one dam fell slightly, the modest rise in exports being due to increased numbers of dams coupled with deteriorating specific indicators. The highest prices are achieved at Christmas, the lowest in May. Prices fluctuate the most during the Easter period when supply is at its peak. Liberalisation of the lamb trade has not produced any fundamental change in domestic export, although the moderation of price rises may be an indirect effect.

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