Less production and consumption of EU beef

EU beef production is expected to decrease by 2019% in 1,1 compared to last year and an additional 0,6% in 2020. This decrease is in line with the EU's shrinking beef stock, reports the European Commission in a recent publication.

In 2018, the number of slaughters in the EU was exceptionally high due to (roughage) feed shortages. From the investigation report According to the European Commission, this number fell by 2019% in the first quarter of 1,4. This is mainly due to smaller cattle herds in the largest production countries: Germany, France, the Netherlands and Great Britain.

Furthermore, the beef scandal in Poland with illegal slaughter, the more difficult trade situation in Ireland and Britain after Brexit, and the sluggish Turkish market for live animal exports had an impact on the number of slaughters. Despite fewer slaughters in 2019, EU beef prices are 2 to 7% below last year's prices and below the three-year average from 2016 to 2018. The exception is cow prices, which have been rising since the beginning of this year. show line.

Rising beef exports
EU beef exports increased by 4% in the first 2019 months of 14,5. Volumes to existing markets such as Bosnia, Israel and the Philippines have increased and China has opened up as a new market. Exports are expected to continue to increase and will reach a 2019% growth in 15 compared to last year.

Live animal exports have been affected by the problems in the Turkish market since autumn 2018. Other markets are only partially coping. That is why an export decrease of 2% is expected this year compared to 2018.

Total EU imports are also expected to fall by 2%, mainly due to growing demand in Asia. In the first 4 months of 2019, imports from Brazil (-16%) and Uruguay (-8%), have already fallen, which has not been compensated by Argentina (+8%).

Falling beef consumption
After several years of higher beef consumption and a higher supply in the EU, the tide is turning this year. The declining availability of meat on the EU market is expected to result in a reduction in consumption from 11 kg to 10,8 kg per capita.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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