The decline in EU beef and sheep meat production forecast in 2021

Published 2021년 4월 22일

Tridge summary

EU beef production saw a slight decline in 2020, despite a small increase in suckler cows, due to a reduction in the dairy herd. The European Commission anticipates a further decrease in beef production in 2021, attributed to structural changes, COVID-19 measures, and reduced demand from the foodservice sector. Beef consumption per capita also fell in 2020, but exports experienced growth, particularly to high-value markets. Sheep and goat meat production rose in 2020, largely due to Romania, but a decrease is expected in 2021 along with an increase in domestic prices. Sheep meat exports increased in 2020, making up for losses in the UK market, and are projected to remain steady in 2021, despite a significant drop in imports, primarily from New Zealand.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

EU beef production fell by 1.2% in 2020. Although there was a 0.4% increase in the number of suckler cows (+48,000head), the dairy herd decreased by 1.1% (221,000 head). In 2021, another decrease in beef production (-0.9%) is expected, according to the European Commission’s short-term outlook. This is because of structural adjustments in the sector, the continuing COVID-19 measures in many EU countries and low demand from foodservice. Calculated consumption of beef declined to 10.3 kg per capita in 2020 (-2.5%), and, according to the commission, this trend may continue in 2021 by -1%. This is despite the recovery of demand in the second half of 2021 assuming a progressive reopening of restaurants and return of tourism. Beef exports grew by 1.8% in 2020, despite the economic downturn. Growth was especially strong to high value markets. Export growth overall is expected to continue in 2021 (+1%), constrained by limited domestic availability and economic uncertainty. Imports ...

Source: Ahdb