Shortage of broiler cows keeps prices high

While the prices for less luxurious slaughter and sausage cows in particular have risen considerably in the past period, slaughter bulls are now taking a step up. Cow prices are also rising, albeit to a slightly lesser extent. Traders remain optimistic about price developments in the coming period. There are simply (too) few slaughter cows available and therefore prices could continue to rise for a while.

Meat trade grumbles
There are now signals from the meat trade that it is becoming more difficult to translate the price increases. Prices for imported carcasses are also rising sharply. In addition, companies are faced with high costs that must be passed on in the sales prices. There are now more voices indicating that the market should not overplay, because beef is in danger of becoming unaffordable for some consumers.

The fact that the number of cattle slaughtered remains low is also evident from new figures from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl). In week 10, 8.989 cattle were slaughtered in the Netherlands. That is comparable to the level of last year. At the same time, it is considerably below the level of previous years. 

Only modest increase in imports
Despite slightly shrinking production and good demand, figures from the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) show that beef imports increased only relatively modestly last year. In the period from January to December, 13,1% more beef was imported: the volume increased from 283.000 tonnes to 319.000 tonnes.

According to other Eurostat figures, an average of around 550.000 tonnes of beef was produced per month in the European Union. A fraction lower than in 2020. According to insiders, the fact that imports are not increasing faster is partly due to the high demand and high prices for beef. But also with the logistical limitations and costs in that area.