In 2023, beef production in the European Union (EU) decreased by 3.9%, which supported high prices, according to a report from the European Commission. During this period, the average carcass weight also fell by 0.6%.

Among the largest producing countries, Italy experienced the most significant decline (-17% or -127,000 tonnes), primarily due to a shortage of imported live animals. This was followed by France (-4.4% or -60,000 tonnes) and Poland (-4.8% or -26,000 tonnes).

While Spain and Ireland saw growth in 2022, they both shifted to a declining trajectory in 2023, with reductions of 5% and 3.5% respectively.

Cattle Inventory and Future Projections

The December 2023 livestock survey indicated a fourth consecutive year of decline in the number of suckler cows in the EU, with a reduction of 160,000 head (-1.6%). Dairy cows also decreased by 344,000 head (-1.7%).

The number of male cattle aged 1 to 2 years and over 2 years destined for slaughter also decreased by 0.4% and 1.2% respectively. These reductions are expected to impact the availability of beef in the near future.

As a result, EU beef production in 2024 is projected to decline further by 2.3%. This reduced supply of beef could continue to support high prices for EU beef producers.

Beef Consumption and Imports

Despite the high prices in the EU, imports have not compensated for the decline in production. Consequently, per capita beef consumption in the EU fell to 9.7 kg in 2023, marking a 4.7% year-on-year decrease. With the market situation in 2024 expected to be similar, consumption is projected to decline by an additional 2.8%.(Photo: Dreamstime)