The global production of beef will fall in 2026 for the first time in six years, according to Rabobank.

Global beef production will enter a contraction phase in 2026, marking a significant turning point in the international animal protein market. This is according to the Global Animal Protein Outlook 2026 report by Rabobank, which warns that this decline will be the first contraction of global animal protein production in six years. The report attributes this adjustment to a combination of structural and cyclical factors: the rebuilding of herds in North America and Brazil, structural changes in the Chinese market, and a tighter global supply that will keep prices elevated in major international markets. Unlike previous cycles, Rabobank emphasizes that the decline is not due to a collapse in demand, but to supply limitations in a context of still solid profitability for producers. In the United States and Canada, the beef sector is beginning to show clear signs of stabilization after six consecutive years of herd reductions between 2020 and 2025. The report highlights that improved ...