Rabobank warns global beef supplies tightening
Global Beef Supply Tightening as Trade Flows Shift
Global beef markets are expected to face tightening supplies and increased price volatility during 2026, according to the latest analysis from Rabobank.
The bank’s Q1 2026 Global Beef Quarterly reports that the US beef cow herd has fallen to its lowest level in around 75 years, significantly reducing future production potential in one of the world’s largest beef suppliers.
The report also highlights the impact of China’s new beef import quota system, which came into effect on 1 January 2026 and is expected to reshape global trade flows.
By mid-2026, beef production across major exporting countries is projected to fall below the five year average, tightening global supply. While Brazil recorded record export volumes in January, analysts expect shipments to decline later in the year as supply pressures build.
The combination of reduced production and shifting trade policies is likely to increase price volatility across global beef markets during 2026.
Source: EuroMeat News / Rabobank | 10 March 2026
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