Production in the main sheep-producing countries has fallen sharply, ranging from 6.1% in France to 9.9% in Spain.
Figures released by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue show that the value of dairy imports jumped 16% between 2019 and 2023.
Relatively tight supplies across all the main sheep producing nations in Europe is underpinning higher returns.
A number of plants have increased base quotes by 5c/kg to 10c/kg, opening up a wider differential, with opening prices for quality assured lambs ranging from €7.20/kg to €7.40/kg.
A couple of plants have still moved to reduce base quotes by 15c/kg to 20c/kg but its success is variable with other plants holding quotes steady.