23 August 2022

1 minute read

According to the latest data and reflections of market experts within the European Commission, the outlook for meat production in the EU is not good. 

EU beef production is expected to decrease by 0.5% in 2022, despite high prices, mainly due to a structural adjustment in the beef and dairy sector. Exports should increase to existing high-value markets but are constrained by record-high domestic prices. Imports are on the rise due to Brazilian supply.

Increasing concerns for the environment, reduced export prospects, sustained high input costs and African Swine Fever (ASF) are due to override the high pigmeat price incentive and result in decreased production. The EU supplied China for two years of the acute ASF crisis, but the UK is now once again the EU's primary export destination.

EU poultry production is due to stabilise in 2022. The EU broiler price is high enough to compensate for high input costs and the continued spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, among other factors. Trade with the UK has returned to pre-withdrawal levels but the EU is losing some export markets. Imports are expected to partially recover to 2016-19 levels, although disruption to trade flows with Ukraine is cause for some uncertainty.