No deal tariffs a ‘mixed picture’ for red meat sector

“However, the introduction of a temporary Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for beef at zero tariff open to any country, plus the continuation of existing TRQs for non-EU product like New Zealand lamb and some beef categories, mean that most of the deliveries of beef and sheepmeat to the UK will be as business as usual.

“The exception is pigmeat products where modest import tariffs will be applied and will offer some support for domestic market prices,” he added.

Mr Clarke noted that the simplification of the new beef tariff-free quota into three product categories (fresh chilled, frozen and cured) leaves open the prospect that the balance of, for example, fresh chilled product arriving on the market may change and lead to some market disruption with implications for market balance.

Irish

However, Mr Clarke emphasized that the most potentially concerning proposal for domestic producers is that the announcement makes clear that any new tariff arrangements will not apply to direct trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“The provision has been made for unconstrained movement of product directly from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland, while the proposed new TRQ could also be used for direct shipments of beef from Ireland to the UK,” said Mr Clarke.

“The monitoring of these two trade flows will be crucial to avoid unintended consequences for Scotland’s red meat products. We therefore welcome that HMRC has recognised this issue.”

Mr Clarke however warned the challenge of market access to Europe and globally for all red meat products, which is of particular concern to the sheepmeat sector, remained unresolved.