27 Jun 2025
European Beef Production Falls by 56,000 Tonnes in Q1 2025
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European Beef Production Falls by 56,000 Tonnes in Q1 2025
June 27, 2025 – According to the latest update from AHDB, beef production across the European Union dropped by 3% in the first quarter of 2025, equating to a reduction of 56,000 tonnes compared to the same period in 2024. Total EU beef output for Q1 stood at 1.58 million tonnes.
Key Drivers Behind the Decline
- The most significant production drops were recorded in France, Germany, and the Netherlands, largely due to the impact of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3).
- Structural herd reductions and profitability challenges also contributed to the decline.
- In contrast, Poland and Ireland saw increased production, driven by strong domestic prices and export demand.
Trade and Market Implications
- Despite lower production, EU beef demand remains strong, prompting a rise in imports.
- EU-27 beef imports increased by 11% year-on-year in Q1, reaching approximately 77,000 tonnes.
- The UK remains the largest beef supplier to the EU, though South American countries—notably Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay—also saw significant growth in export volumes to the region.
Outlook for UK Exporters
With EU production tightening and demand holding firm, UK beef exporters may find new opportunities to expand market share on the continent.
Original data sourced from AHDB
