UK Cattle and Sheep Prices Stabilise as Slaughter Numbers Remain Low

July 10, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The latest market update from AHDB shows signs of stability in both cattle and sheep prices for the week ending 28 June 2025, following weeks of volatility earlier in the year.

Cattle Market Overview

• The GB all-prime average deadweight cattle price eased slightly by 1p to 631p/kg, still 155p higher than the same week in 2024.
• Cow prices followed a similar trend, down just over 1p to 501p/kg.
• Slaughter volumes remained below year-ago levels, with cow slaughter at just 7,200 head—the lowest for that week in over a decade.

Sheep Market Overview

• The GB deadweight new season lamb (NSL) SQQ averaged 748p/kg, down just 1p from the previous week.
• This represents a much smaller seasonal decline than usual—just 5p over six weeks, compared to the five-year average drop of 80p.
• Liveweight NSL SQQ in England and Wales averaged 350p/kg, down 8p on the week but 15p higher year-on-year.
• Clean sheep slaughter was estimated at 165,400 head, continuing to trend below 2024 levels.

These figures suggest a more stable pricing environment in 2025, contrasting with the sharper fluctuations seen in 2024.

Original data sourced from AHDB 

U.S.–China Meat Trade: Exports Plummet Amid High Tariffs and Regulatory Barriers – July 2025

The U.S.–China meat trade has experienced a dramatic downturn in 2025. Pork and beef exports to China have fallen sharply due to persistently high tariffs and unresolved regulatory issues. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, May 2025 marked one of the steepest year-on-year declines in recent trade history.

Key Factors Behind the Collapse in U.S.–China Meat Trade

• U.S. pork exports to China dropped 82 per cent year-on-year to just 6,720 metric tonnes, with export value down 77 per cent to $20.7 million.
• Beef exports to China fell 91 per cent in volume and 90 per cent in value, totalling under 1,400 metric tonnes and less than $15 million.
• Tariffs peaked in April at 172 per cent for pork and 147 per cent for beef. Although a temporary 90-day easing was announced in mid-May, rates remain high at 57 per cent for pork and 32 per cent for beef.
• China has not renewed export registrations for many U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, rendering large volumes of U.S. beef ineligible for export

Broader Trade Impacts and Global Market Shifts

Despite the sharp decline in the U.S.–China meat trade, U.S. meat exports remain strong in other regions:

• Pork exports to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Cuba are on a record pace.
• Beef exports to South Korea reached their highest monthly volume in over two years.
• Strong demand continues in Latin America, the UAE, and Africa.

Industry leaders warn that unless progress is made in U.S.–China trade negotiations before the 12 August tariff deadline, exporters may further reduce production for the Chinese market.

For related updates, see our coverage on the China–Brazil poultry trade and Australian beef exports.

China–Brazil Poultry Trade: Chicken Imports May Resume – July 2025 Update

The China–Brazil poultry trade may soon resume, as Chinese authorities consider lifting restrictions on chicken imports from Brazil. This development follows recent discussions between Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry and Chinese officials, aimed at restoring trade flows and stabilising domestic meat supplies.

Brazil is one of the world’s largest poultry exporters, and China has historically been a key market. Imports were suspended earlier this year due to sanitary concerns, including a confirmed outbreak of bird flu in May 2025. The potential reopening of trade would mark a significant shift in global poultry supply dynamics.

Trade Implications for the China–Brazil Poultry Market

If China resumes chicken imports from Brazil:

• Brazil’s poultry sector could regain lost market share and boost export volumes.
• Competing exporters such as the United States and Thailand may face increased pressure.
• Chinese buyers would benefit from access to Brazil’s long shelf-life frozen chicken products.
• Regional poultry prices and supply chains could be affected.

The Brazilian government remains optimistic, citing ongoing technical discussions and China’s rising demand for high-quality protein.

For related updates, see our coverage on Australian beef exports and livestock market closures in Turkey.

Source: Reuters

Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Surge as Prices Hit New Highs – July 2025

The Australian cattle and sheep markets experienced a sharp rise in early July 2025, with several key price indicators reaching record highs. According to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), strong processor demand and tightening supply are driving the surge across both sectors.

Cattle Market Highlights

The Australian cattle market posted significant gains across multiple categories:

• The Feeder Steer Indicator rose by 20 cents to 417¢/kg liveweight, surpassing the Restocker Steer Indicator by 17 cents.
• Heavy Steer prices increased by 23 cents to 373¢/kg liveweight, supported by limited supply and strong processor interest.
• Queensland recorded the largest price increase at 29 cents, while New South Wales saw a more modest rise of 6 cents.
• National cattle slaughter reached 158,922 head, the highest weekly total since December 2019, with Queensland leading the surge.

Sheep Market Highlights

The Australian sheep market also saw strong upward momentum:

• All lamb indicators reached record highs, with the Heavy Lamb Indicator jumping 68 cents to 1,099¢/kg carcase weight.
• The Trade Lamb Indicator rose by 48 cents to 1,072¢/kg carcase weight.
• The Merino Lamb Indicator increased by 73 cents to 936¢/kg carcase weight, with trade weights fetching up to $232 per head at Dubbo.
• Sheep and lamb yardings fell by over 19,000 head, and slaughter numbers dropped by nearly 92,000 due to processor maintenance shutdowns.

Market Outlook

Despite seasonal tightening in supply, strong demand from both restockers and processors continues to fuel competition and price growth. The Australian cattle and sheep markets are expected to remain firm in the short term, supported by favourable export conditions and limited global supply

Original data sourced from Meat & Livestock Australia 

Australian Beef Exports Hit Record Highs Yet Again – July 2025

Published: 4 July 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The Australian beef export market has once again reached record levels, according to the latest data from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). In July 2025, Australia exported 150,435 tonnes of beef, marking a 12 per cent increase on June’s previous high and a 16 per cent rise compared to July 2024

Key Drivers of Export Growth

This is the fourth time in a year that Australia has broken monthly beef export records. Several factors are contributing to this sustained growth:

• High slaughter volumes: Weekly cattle slaughter has consistently exceeded 150,000 head since April.
• Heavier carcase weights: Average adult cattle carcase weights reached 313kg in Q1 2025.
• Global supply constraints: Declines in beef exports from Argentina, the United States, New Zealand, and Canada have opened up market share for Australia.
• Strong demand: Key markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States continue to show robust demand for chilled and frozen Australian beef.

Competitive Advantage

Australia’s ability to supply consistent, long shelf-life beef products has strengthened its position in global markets. The country’s export performance is being further supported by tight supply conditions among competitors and favourable seasonal processing conditions.

Market Outlook

Looking ahead, analysts are watching for potential shifts in Brazil’s cattle cycle, which could affect global supply dynamics. Seasonal conditions in Australia will also play a role in determining whether record export volumes can be sustained into the final quarter of 2025.

Original reporting by Meat & Livestock Australia 

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Lamb Prices Rise, Cattle Prices Ease

The UK cattle and sheep market showed mixed trends during the week ending 21 June 2025, according to the latest data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Lamb prices increased, while cattle prices softened across most categories

Cattle Market Overview

Prime cattle deadweight prices fell across all classifications. The all-prime average stood at 633p/kg, which remains 157p/kg higher than the same week in 2024 and 202p/kg above the five-year average.

• Heifer prices recorded the largest drop, down 9p/kg.
• Steer and young bull prices declined by 8p/kg and 5p/kg respectively.
• Cull cow prices fell by 7p/kg to 503p/kg.
• Prime cattle slaughter dropped to 31,700 head, bringing the year-to-date total to 807,200 head, a 3.2 per cent decline compared to 2024.
• Store cattle prices rose, with native steers (12–18 months) averaging £1,335.70 per head and native heifers £1,129 per head.

Sheep Market Overview

The sheep market saw a rebound in lamb prices and slaughter volumes.

• The NSL SQQ lamb price rose by 25p/kg to 749p/kg.
• Clean sheep slaughter increased to 182,400 head, recovering after a dip during the Qurbani period.
• Year-to-date slaughter reached 5.2 million head, up 3.8 per cent year-on-year.
• New season lambs now account for 79 per cent of finished live market throughput, signalling the end of carryover supply.

Market Outlook

The UK cattle and sheep market continues to reflect seasonal shifts and supply dynamics. While cattle prices have eased slightly, lamb prices are strengthening due to tightening supply and increased throughput of new season lambs.

Original data sourced from AHDB 

FSA Guidance July 2025 – Key Updates for UK Processors

What Is Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM)?

Key Points from the Updated Guidance

• Labelling: Businesses must list MSM separately from meat in ingredient declarations. They cannot include it in the total meat content.
• Traceability: Companies must keep clear records of MSM sourcing and usage throughout the supply chain.
• Imports: Importers must declare MSM correctly at the border and ensure products meet UK standards.
• Compliance: The FSA will monitor retail and foodservice products to ensure accurate classification and transparency.

Industry Impact

Original guidance available via the Food Standards Agency 

See also: FSA Appoints Two Businesses for Meat Inspections in the UK

Turkey Temporarily Closes Livestock Markets Nationwide Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

Published: 2 July 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The Turkish livestock market has been temporarily shut down following a resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced the nationwide closure of livestock markets in an effort to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus among cloven-hoofed animals

Key Measures Introduced

To prevent further transmission of the disease, Turkish authorities have implemented the following measures:

• Closure of all livestock markets across the country
• Restrictions on animal movement in affected regions
• Intensified vaccination campaigns in high-risk provinces
• Enhanced surveillance and biosecurity protocols at farms and transport hubs

These steps are part of a coordinated national response to limit the economic and animal health impact of the outbreak.

Impact on Trade and Producers

The timing of the outbreak is particularly concerning, as it follows Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha), a period when livestock sales typically surge. The restrictions have raised concerns among domestic producers and exporters, who fear long-term disruptions to trade and productivity.

Authorities are urging farmers and traders to comply with the new regulations to avoid further spread and economic losses. While foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health, it can cause severe damage to livestock productivity and international trade.

Original reporting by Reuters.

European Beef Production Falls by 56,000 Tonnes in Q1 2025

The European beef market experienced a notable decline in production during the first quarter of 2025. According to the latest data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), total beef output across the European Union fell by 3 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. This equates to a reduction of 56,000 tonnes, bringing total Q1 production to 1.58 million tonnes

Key Drivers Behind the Decline

The most significant production drops were recorded in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These countries were severely affected by the Bluetongue virus (BTV-3), which disrupted herd health and productivity. Structural herd reductions and ongoing profitability challenges also contributed to the downturn.

In contrast, Poland and Ireland reported increased beef production. This growth was driven by strong domestic prices and sustained export demand, with Poland exporting 133,000 tonnes of beef in Q1 2025, up from 125,000 tonnes in the same period last year

Trade and Market Implications

Despite the decline in production, EU beef demand remains strong, prompting a rise in imports. EU-27 beef imports increased by 11 per cent year-on-year in Q1, reaching approximately 77,000 tonnes. The United Kingdom remains the largest beef supplier to the EU, followed by significant growth in imports from South American countries.

• Brazil: +2,200 tonnes (+12% YoY)
• Argentina: +2,500 tonnes (+23% YoY)
• Uruguay: +1,700 tonnes (+22% YoY)

Outlook for UK Exporters

With EU production tightening and demand holding firm, UK beef exporters may find new opportunities to expand their market share on the continent. The current supply gap could favour British beef, especially as EU buyers seek reliable sources to meet demand.

Original data sourced from AHDB 

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market: Prices Hold Steady Amid Strong Slaughter Volumes

The Australian cattle and sheep market remained active during the week ending 27 June 2025. According to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), cattle prices held steady while lamb prices eased slightly. The market was shaped by strong processing demand, seasonal changes in livestock quality, and record slaughter volumes.

Cattle Market Performance

The Australian cattle market showed resilience, with prices supported by firm demand across key categories.

• The Restocker Steer Indicator rose by 11 cents to 391 cents per kilogram liveweight.
• The Restocker Heifer Indicator fell by 9 cents to 312 cents per kilogram liveweight.
• The Processor Cow Indicator increased by 9 cents to 291 cents per kilogram liveweight, with prices reaching 360 cents per kilogram at Dubbo.
• National cattle slaughter reached 153,442 head, the highest weekly total since December 2019. Victoria and New South Wales recorded significant increases.

Sheep and Lamb Market Trends

The Australian sheep market experienced softer pricing, particularly for lambs, due to declining quality and selective buying.

• The Heavy Lamb Indicator dropped by 32 cents to 1,028 cents per kilogram carcase weight.
• The Trade Lamb Indicator also declined, reflecting reduced demand for midweight lambs.
• The Mutton Indicator fell by 28 cents to 644 cents per kilogram carcase weight, with quality issues affecting prices at major saleyards.
• Lamb slaughter rose to 445,799 head, while sheep slaughter declined to 159,701 head. This represents an 8 per cent year-on-year decrease in sheep slaughter.

Market Outlook

The Australian cattle and sheep market continues to balance strong processor demand with seasonal shifts in supply and quality. While cattle prices remain stable, lamb and mutton values are under pressure due to variable quality and buyer caution.

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Original data sourced from Meat & Livestock Australia