British lamb is on its way to the US for the first time in more than two decades.

Dunbia, which is one of Europe's leading food companies specialising in the production of quality lamb, has exported the first consignment from its site in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

The shipment will arrive in the US for a gathering of US industry leaders at the Meat importers Council of America (MICA) annual conference.

It follows moves by US authorities to amend the 'small ruminant' rule which prevented the export of lamb from the UK and other countries for more than 20 years. Trade with the US is estimated by AHDB to be worth £37 million to the sheep sector in the first five years of trade.

Andrew Smyth, Commercial Director from Dunbia, said: "We have received our first order of British lamb which is being shipped to the US this week. As the largest processor of lamb in the UK, it is imperative we continue to have access to new and emerging international markets, and we welcome the small ruminant rule amendment. We continue to work closely with AHDB to identify and develop new market opportunities for our quality British produce."

The US is proving a valuable market for red meat exports, with shipments of pork and beef worth more than £24 million in the first seven months of 2022.

According to HMRC, 930 tonnes of beef and 5,392 tonnes of pork were exported to the US between January and July, up 57 per cent and 35 per cent respectively on the previous year.

AHDB International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley said: "We are delighted that the first shipment of lamb has gone from Dunbia this week, marking a historic moment for red meat exports in Britain.

"We have heard from our levy payers that they value the work of the export team, in opening new markets and helping to boost overseas trade. Today's first shipment of lamb to the US shows the value of AHDB's levy investment and its export work in supporting commercial trade.

"We hope this order will be the first of many, allowing millions of US consumers to enjoy our world-renowned lamb, while bringing a major boost to our sheep producers and exporters, who have another valuable market in which to sell their products." 

Phil Stocker, Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association (NSA), said: "This is fantastic news for the British sheep industry, and it comes after many years of hard work by AHDB, working closely with our other levy bodies. 

"The success of our sheep industry is based market opportunities and access to the US will offer just that, building on what is already a healthy demand for our high-quality British lamb."