Belgium exports most beef to the Netherlands

The Netherlands was the main destination for Belgian beef in 2018, according to new data from the Belgian Meat Office. In general, the cattle sector in Belgium can look back on a stable year.

The cattle herd in Belgium has remained virtually stable in 2018 compared to 2017 and has 2,4 million animals. In the years 2015 and 2016, the cattle herd was larger and amounted to 2,5 million. In contrast, slightly fewer animals were slaughtered in 2018 than in 2017. Last year a total of 530.000 cattle and 357.000 calves were slaughtered. It is striking that the production of meat has remained virtually stable: 216.000 tons of beef and 61.000 veal.

Netherlands largest recipient
Belgium exported approximately 2018 tons of beef in 200.166, which is almost as much as in 2017. The largest part of this went to the Netherlands (34%), followed by France (20%). Exports to the United Kingdom have recorded the largest percentage increase: +56%. This brings the total export to that country to 4.964 tons.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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