June 30, 2025

 

EU beef production in Q1 2025 dropped by 3% year-on-year  

 

 

In the first quarter of 2025, beef production across the European Union was down by 3% (56,000 tonnes) compared to last year, bringing total Q1 production to 1.58 million tonnes, according to the United Kingdom's Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

 

The reasons behind the reduction in overall production are widespread: including disease, profitability challenges, and structural herd decline, but are especially present in specific individual European States.

 

The largest reductions in beef volumes have been observed in France, Germany and the Netherlands. These three countries have reportedly been hit hard by BTV-3 which is likely what has driven the loss of productivity in these western states.

 

Furthermore, in some regions, European farmers have been incentivised to downscale livestock production, which will be affecting farmer sentiment and impacting decisions.

 

However, both Poland and Ireland have seen increased beef production throughout the period, likely driven by strong domestic prices bringing animals forward and a lucrative export market amongst sustained demand.

 

In Q1 this year, Poland exported 133,000 tonnes of beef, compared to 125,000 tonnes in 2024.

 

Despite reduced beef production, demand for beef on the continent has remained strong.

 

Imported beef volumes into the EU-27 have risen by 11% year-on-year to approximately 77,000 tonnes (Jan-Mar), with the UK as the largest supplier of these beef imports.

 

However, the main growth in import volumes into the EU-27 in Q1 this year has come from South American countries, with an additional 2,200 tonnes (+12% year-on-year) from Brazil, 2,500 tonnes from Argentina (+23% year-on-year), and an additional 1,700 tonnes (+22% year-on-year) from Uruguay. 

 

- AHDB