Global meat prices hit historic high amid shrinking supply and strong demand

year. The FAO’s meat sub-index, which covers beef, pork, poultry, and lamb, averaged almost 128 points in August — the highest level since the index was created three decades ago. Prices for beef and lamb surged the most, while pork and poultry remained relatively stable. FAO senior economist Monika Tothova told BBC Mundo that the record reflects a combination of export shortages in several major producing countries and sustained import demand worldwide. “Animal disease outbreaks, ongoing uncertainty, and tension over trade policies have all contributed to the price rise,” she said. Some importers are now building up meat reserves to hedge against potential trade disruptions. Meanwhile, droughts and other extreme weather events continue to affect supply chains globally, adding further pressure to prices. The sharp increase in beef prices is linked not only to lower exports from countries like Brazil and the United States but also to rising costs for feed, energy, labor, and ...