Global beef production to decline for first time in six years in 2026 – Rabobank

According to Rabobank’s “Global Animal Protein Market Outlook 2026,” global beef production will enter a contraction phase in 2026, marking a significant turning point in the international animal protein market. The report also notes that this contraction will be the first overall decline in global animal protein production in six years. The report attributes this adjustment to a combination of structural and cyclical factors: the ongoing recovery of cattle herds in North America and Brazil, structural changes in the Chinese market, and tightening global supply, which will support high prices in key international markets. Unlike previous cycles, Rabobank emphasizes that the decline is not due to a collapse in demand, but rather to supply constraints amid continued stable profitability for producers. North America: Liquidation Completion and Reconstruction Commencement In the United States and Canada, the livestock sector is beginning to show clear signs of stabilization after six ...