International decline in production drives up beef prices

Anyone who follows global beef prices will have noticed the sharp price increase in the past month. With the exception of Australia, all carcass prices show a price increase. In Belgium, too, prices for cows rose sharply, towards 7 euros per kg slaughtered weight. A shrinking market is certainly an explanation for this. This is also evident from various recently published reports, including a report by Rabobank. This report points to the shrinking of the livestock population in the four largest beef-producing countries, which will result in a global reduction in the beef supply. Brazil (-5%) and the United States (-3%) will probably be the biggest decliners in beef production in 2025, but declines are also expected in China, Europe and New Zealand. Only in Australia is an increase possibly expected. Prices as a result of shrinkage In North America, cattle prices have been at a higher level than elsewhere in the world for more than two years. The smaller livestock population and ...