EU beef exports increase while imports fall - report
Turkish market the main driver
29 October 2024
1 minute read
By: Despite limited supply, EU beef exports increased in the first half of 2024 (+41 600 t or +17% year-on-year), according the most recent EU short-term outlook report. The Turkish market is the main driver (+28 100 t), next to growing exports to Algeria, Switzerland and the Philippines. By the end of 2024, EU exports are expected to increase by 10% year-on year.
In the same period, EU exports of live animals declined by 16% year-on-year, due to a relative shortage of live animals and difficulties to reach some markets for geopolitical reasons. Overall, exports of live animals are expected to decrease by -2% in 2025 year-on-year.
In 2024, the EU market remained less attractive for imports, with a decline of 2.2% in Jan-June year-on-year. Imports from Brazil decreased substantially (-15%), while imports from the UK were 0.2% down. The main EU partners, including South American countries, find more rewarding markets in other parts of the world (e.g. the US), thanks to a relative tight beef market at global level.
By the end of 2024 a decrease of 2% is expected year-on-year. In 2025, meat imports could further decline by another 1.5% due to an expected lower production in Brazil next year.
