Browse Data and Analysis

After the 2023 outbreak of bluetongue disease in Europe, the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) has now spread to three Nordic countries. Denmark encountered the first case of bluetongue disease on August 9, Norway on September 6, and Sweden on September 12.

The United States has become a leading supplier of beef products to China since its reentry into the market in 2017. This report reviews the development of the beef market, analyzes prospects, discusses potential opportunities, and examines in detail the distribution channels of beef products in the China market.

Post expects livestock numbers and beef production to continue their decrease through 2025. Beef production efficiency remains low, with the majority of beef derived from dairy and dual-purpose animals.

Both EU beef and pork production, as well as exports, are forecast to temporarily increase this year. Beef production will increase because of high carcass and beef prices combined with an overall dim outlook for the sector, incentivizing farmers to slaughter their cattle.

In 2025, Post forecasts both pork and beef production to decline. Lower domestic beef production is expected to help fuel further beef imports. However, Post forecasts pork imports in 2025 to remain at similar levels to 2024. Post forecasts pork consumption to decline in 2025 because of headwinds facing the economy and higher domestic pork prices.

The Bulgarian livestock industry is experiencing strong production growth in 2024, following the expansion of swine numbers and commercial cattle numbers in 2023.

Turkiye’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, announced the “2024-2028 Livestock Roadmap” in February 2024, following significant decreases in domestic livestock inventories.

In 2023, Ukraine's cattle inventory and beef production remained on a three-decade-long downward trend. The decrease in consumer numbers and comparatively high beef prices resulted in a domestic consumption drop and increased exports of both live cattle for slaughter and beef.

Post forecasts economic headwinds will continue to impact consumption of both pork and beef in 2024. Swine and pork production in 2024 will be marginally down 3 percent as persistently low live hog and pork prices weigh on producers.

While EU beef production is forecast to further decline in 2024 due to a structural unprofitability of the sector and mounting environmental regulations, the EU pork supply is projected to rebound in 2024.

In January 2024 the Turkish government established an import quota for feeder cattle at 600,000 head. This number may be increased during the year as determined by the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry and the Turkish Milk and Meat Board (ESK)...

On December 8, 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) launched two calls for evidence to collect data and information to support EFSA’s risk assessments to deliver scientific opinions on the welfare of beef cattle and turkeys on farm.