08 Dec 2025
Meat Industry News Analysis: UK, Ireland, and Global Markets
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Date: 8 December 2025
Here’s a brief overview of the key stories shaping the meat industry this week, with links to the original sources for more detailed information.
UK Headlines
UK Pork Trade Adjusts in Q3 Data from the AHDB shows that UK pork exports dipped in the third quarter, with September volumes hitting a low for the year. Despite this, year-to-date exports remain slightly up, while import levels have been stable but are down 4% for the year so far. Read more at AHDB.
Spain Pork Ban Eased After ASF Outbreak The UK has lifted its blanket ban on Spanish pork, moving to a regionalised approach that allows imports from areas free of African Swine Fever (ASF). The decision aligns the UK with EU policy, though restrictions remain for the affected Barcelona region. Full story at The Pig Site.
Beef Inflation Slows as Consumers Adapt While UK beef prices remain high, the rate of inflation is showing signs of slowing down. Shoppers are adapting to the new prices by shifting towards more budget-friendly options like diced and stewing beef, which has helped stabilise overall purchase volumes. Details at Euromeatnews.
Ireland & NI Headlines
Irish Prime Beef Production Forecast to Fall Teagasc has forecast a 4% decrease in Ireland’s prime beef production for 2026, citing significantly lower numbers of young cattle in the system. This tighter supply is expected to support an increase in finished cattle prices next year. See the forecast on Agriland.
Falling Livestock Numbers Squeeze Irish Processors Irish meat factories are facing a significant drop in supply, with estimates suggesting over 200,000 fewer cattle and 500,000 fewer sheep will be processed in 2025. This decline is creating surplus capacity and raising concerns about the long-term viability of some processing facilities. Analysis from the Irish Farmers Journal.
Bluetongue Case Confirmed in Northern Ireland A confirmed case of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in a County Down herd has prompted immediate trade restrictions and market access concerns. A 20km Temporary Control Zone is in place as industry bodies work to manage the situation and support affected producers. More at Meat Management.
Global Headlines
Record Low Cattle Numbers Drive US Beef Prices Higher The United States is experiencing soaring beef prices, largely driven by the smallest national cattle herd recorded since 1951. Severe drought and high input costs for ranchers have constrained supply, leading to a 14.7% year-on-year price increase for beef and veal. CNBC has the report.
US Expands Market Access for Chilean Beef In a move that strengthens trade ties, the USDA has expanded its import authorisation for raw beef products from Chile. Chilean exporters are now permitted to ship beef trimmings to the US, a product primarily used in processed foods. Read the story on Euromeatnews.
Global Meat Prices Dip in November, Reports FAO The FAO’s Meat Price Index registered a slight decrease in November, led by lower international prices for poultry and pig meat due to abundant global supplies. In contrast, prices for beef and sheep meat remained firm on the global market. Full index details at FAO.