March 20, 2007

China to overtake EU as the world's third largest beef producer

China is expected to become the world's third largest beef producer this year, overtaking the EU-25., according to Germany's Rhine Agricultural Association.

China is forecast to produce 7.9 million tonnes of beef, with consumption pegged at 7.83 million tonnes. The top two beef producers are America and Brazil, which produced 12.17 million and 9.12 million tonnes of beef respectively. Consumption at these two countries were at 13.02 million tonnes and 7.18 million tonnes respectively.

Beef output in the EU is expected to lag behind demand for the sixth consecutive year this year. EU beef production in 2006 increased slightly, reaching 7.88 million tones, but consumption grew to 8.22 million tonnes. EU 2007's beef output is expected to remain at 2006 levels, but consumption would grow further to 8.24 million tonnes.