EU beef production forecast to temporarily increase in 2024
Beef production in the European Union is forecast to increase by 2.2% in 2024, driven by faster slaughter and higher carcass weights. However, production is expected to decline by 1.5% in 2025, driven by lower herd sizes and calf numbers, with Western Europe being the main beneficiaries.
Central Europe is showing stabilization of its dairy and beef herds, thanks to concentration and commercialization of the sector.
The main reasons for the increase in slaughter in 2024 include high carcass prices, as well as outbreaks of bluetongue virus and epizootic haemorrhagic disease in Western Europe. However, slaughter rates are expected to slow in 2025 due to a decline in cattle numbers.
Amid rising production, the EU beef market remains tight due to a decline in imports and an increase in exports. Turkey, one of the EU's key export markets, is switching from cattle imports to beef imports, contributing to an increase in EU exports of more than 10% this year.
Key News of the Week
