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Meat Industry News Analysis: UK, Ireland, and Global Markets

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. .
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. .
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. .

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. .
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. .
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. .

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. .
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. .
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. .

US Opens Market to More Chilean Beef Products

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expanded its import authorisation for raw beef products from Chile, a move that signals growing confidence in the South American country’s animal health standards.

The updated policy will now allow the import of Chilean beef trimmings, which are widely used in the manufacturing of processed meat products such as hamburgers.

This decision provides US food manufacturers with an alternative source of supply and is expected to strengthen trade ties between the two nations. The inclusion of beef trimmings in the list of approved products is a testament to the rigorous safety and quality controls implemented by the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG).
The development is a positive one for the Chilean meat industry, providing it with greater access to one of the world’s most valuable consumer markets. It also underscores the importance of robust animal health and food safety systems in facilitating international trade.
Source: Euromeatnews
Published: 8 December 2025

US Beef Prices Climb as Cattle Numbers Hit Record Low

Consumers in the United States are feeling the pinch at the meat counter as beef prices continue to surge, driven by the smallest national cattle herd since 1951.

The latest data reveals a 14.7% increase in the price of beef and veal over the past year, a figure that far outpaces the overall food inflation rate.

The primary cause of the price hike is a significant contraction in the US cattle herd, which has been exacerbated by several years of severe drought in key ranching states. These dry conditions have increased feed costs and discouraged producers from retaining female cattle for breeding, leading to a tighter supply of animals entering the market.
Adding to the pressure are high input costs for farmers and ranchers, which have risen by more than 50% over the last five years. While the US has been producing larger cattle, the overall reduction in herd size is the dominant factor influencing prices. The situation highlights the long and complex cycle of beef production and its vulnerability to environmental and economic pressures.
Source: CNBC
Published: 7 December 2025  Original story

Irish Beef Production Forecast to Drop by 4% in 2026

Ireland’s prime beef production is projected to decrease by 4% in 2026, according to the latest outlook from Teagasc, the national agriculture and food development authority.

The forecast is based on a significant reduction in the number of young cattle in the supply pipeline compared to the previous year.
This trend of a shrinking breeding herd is not confined to Ireland, with similar patterns emerging across the European Union and in the United Kingdom. The tighter supply is expected to support prices, with Teagasc forecasting a 5% increase in the average price for finished cattle in 2026.
The report highlights the long-term nature of beef production cycles, where decisions made by farmers today have a delayed impact on the market. The current decline in cattle numbers is a result of breeding decisions made over the past couple of years, and it will take time for the herd to rebuild.
Source: Agriland / Teagasc

Over €47 Million Paid to Farmers Under Irish Suckler Scheme

The Irish government has announced that payments totalling €47.06 million have been issued to participants in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP).

The scheme, which is designed to improve the environmental sustainability of the national suckler herd, has seen a high level of engagement from farmers across the country.

These payments are part of a broader package of support for the Irish beef sector, with a total of €79 million issued in the past ten days across three different beef-related schemes.
The SCEP payments provide a welcome financial boost to suckler farmers and underscore the government’s commitment to supporting the sector’s transition to more climate-friendly practices.
Source: Gov.ie
Published: 5 December 2025 

Bluetongue Case in Northern Ireland Prompts Market Access Concerns

The confirmation of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in a herd in County Down has raised significant concerns for the livestock industry in Northern Ireland.

Concerns are rising regarding bluetongue Northern Ireland market access. Two cases of the virus have been confirmed, with dozens more suspected in the same herd, leading to the implementation of a 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) around the affected farm.

The outbreak has caused immediate trade disruptions, as the movement of animals from within the TCZ is restricted. The Livestock & Meat Commission (LMC) has stated that maintaining market access for beef and lamb producers is a top priority and is working to help farmers navigate the complex requirements of the control measures.
While the BTV-3 virus does not pose a threat to human health, it can have a severe impact on animal welfare and farm productivity. The National Sheep Association has called for clear communication and a coordinated approach to manage the outbreak, which may include vaccination and carefully controlled animal movements. The situation is being closely monitored by veterinary authorities.
Source: Meat Management
Published: 5 December 2025  Original story

Irish Processors Face Squeeze as Livestock Numbers Fall

Irish Processors Face Squeeze as Livestock Numbers Fall

The Irish meat processing sector is bracing for a significant challenge as the number of cattle and sheep available for slaughter is set to fall sharply in 2025. Industry estimates suggest that factories will process over 200,000 fewer cattle and more than 500,000 fewer sheep this year.
The decline in sheep numbers is particularly acute, compounding a significant drop that already occurred in 2024. This tightening of supply is creating a surplus of processing capacity within the industry, raising concerns about the operational efficiency and profitability of meat plants across the country.
The situation in Ireland mirrors challenges seen in other major meat-producing nations, where supply chain disruptions and changing herd dynamics are putting pressure on processors. The reduction in available livestock is expected to have a significant impact on the entire supply chain, from farmers to exporters.
Source: Irish Farmers Journal / FarmersJournal.ie
Published: 5 December 2025 Original story

UK Eases Restrictions on Spanish Pork Imports

The UK government has adjusted its policy on pork imports from Spain, moving from a complete ban to a more targeted, regional approach.

The initial ban was put in place after an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) was reported in Spain, the first in over three decades.
The revised restrictions, which align with the European Union’s own regionalisation strategy, will allow pork to be imported from Spanish regions that are certified as free from the disease.
However, the ban will remain in effect for products originating from the area around Barcelona, where the ASF cases were confirmed in wild boar.
This decision will be welcomed by many in the food industry, as Spain is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of pork.
The situation is being closely monitored, but the move to a regionalised system is a significant step in managing the trade implications of the animal health issue while protecting the UK’s biosecurity.
Source: The Pig Site
Published: 4 December 2025
Original story

UK Beef Prices Stabilise as Consumers Seek Value

The rapid rise in UK beef prices appears to be levelling off, according to the latest market data.
While year-on-year inflation for beef and veal remains high at 27%, the monthly increase has slowed significantly, suggesting that prices may be reaching a plateau.
The high prices have had a clear impact on consumer behaviour, with a 7.4% decline in the volume of beef purchased compared to last year.
However, more recent figures show a slight recovery in volumes, indicating that shoppers are beginning to adjust to the new price reality. This adjustment has been accompanied by a noticeable shift in purchasing habits, with consumers increasingly opting for more budget-friendly cuts.
Sales of diced and stewing beef have seen a significant uptick in the latest reporting period, as have convenient and often more affordable options like ready-to-cook meals. In contrast, more expensive cuts such as roasting joints have seen a decline in volumes, although there has been a recent seasonal increase in the run-up to Christmas. The trend suggests that while consumers are still buying beef, they are making more considered choices to manage their household budgets.
Source: Euromeatnews / AHDB

Brazilian Beef Recalled from EU Supermarkets Over Banned Hormones

A significant quantity of Brazilian beef has been recalled from supermarkets across the European Union following the discovery of banned growth-promoting hormones.

The recall has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the EU’s import control systems and the safety of beef sourced from the South American nation.

The incident has prompted calls for a thorough review of the EU’s trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, of which Brazil is a key member. Critics argue that the current safeguards are inadequate to prevent non-compliant products from entering the European market. The recall is a major blow to the reputation of the Brazilian beef industry and is likely to lead to increased scrutiny of its production standards.
Source: RTE Published: 2 December 2025
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