EU Beef Prices Surge as Irish Market Strengthens, Narrowing Gap with GB Prices

Average EU deadweight cattle prices have risen dramatically over the past few weeks, decreasing the difference between continental and GB prices. This article explores the reasons behind this surge and what it could mean for the UK beef market.

Key Points

The average European beef price has risen faster than the GB price, eroding the price differential, which stood at 94.8 pence for steers of R3 specification in the week beginning 31 March. This makes UK exports more competitive but increases the price of imports.
Beef supply across the EU is forecast to fall in 2025, potentially lending further support to prices.
The top supplier of beef imports in 2024 to the EU was the UK, providing 93,200 tonnes of beef, making up 31% of total beef imports into the EU and valuing £502.9 million.

Prices

In the week beginning 31 March, EU steers rose on average by 18p/kg. For R3 steers, this represents a 36% increase in price from the same time last year. Over the past few weeks, the average European beef price has risen faster than the GB price, eroding the price differential, which stood at 94.8 pence for steers in the week ending 31 March.

Selected EU Deadweight Cattle Prices (p/kg)

Young bulls category AR3
Steers category CR3
GB price is AHDB R3 steer average

Source: European Commission, AHDB

The increase in the average EU steer price has been predominantly driven by movements in the Irish market. The average price of an Irish R3 steer stood at an equivalent of 643.8 p/kg, up 26 pence from the week before, closing the gap with the GB R3 steer price to 53 pence. This was down from a historically wide differential of 117.4 pence in mid-February and is back to a position last seen in mid-2024.

Due to the beef trading relationship, the Irish beef price is closely linked with GB beef prices, with the current strength of the British market supporting averages across the Irish Sea. Irish cattle kill has been elevated so far in 2025, but supply is forecast to tighten through the year. Meanwhile, live exports of Irish cattle have grown strongly again so far in 2025, with Bord Bia reporting particular growth in shipments to Northern Ireland, Spain, and Italy.

Production

Elsewhere, beef supply across the EU is forecast to fall, as suckler herds contend with low profitability and stricter sustainability regulations. The European Commission predicts a 7.5% fall in suckler cow numbers by 2035 to 9.5 million head. Dairy herd numbers are also forecasted to fall, albeit more steadily, with a long-term declining trend of -0.3% year-on-year. This means that in the future, there are likely to be fewer beef calves entering the system.

However, 2024 saw significant variation across the bloc. Beef production decreased or remained relatively stable in states such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands but saw marked increases in Spain, Italy, and most significantly in Poland. In 2024, Poland saw production increases of 24%, primarily driven by a rapidly growing export market to Turkey.

Trade

Total external EU-27 beef exports grew by 10% year-on-year in 2024 to approximately 690,000 tonnes (including offal). The most significant destination for these exports was the UK, but export volumes to Turkey and Algeria have seen remarkable growth. EU beef exports to Turkey were up by 30,300 tonnes in 2024, representing a 70% rise from 2023 levels, and volumes to Algeria rose from 400 tonnes to 29,000 tonnes in 2024.

Meanwhile, EU import volumes of beef also grew in 2024 by 8% to 299,000 tonnes. In 2024, the top supplier of these imports was the UK, providing 113,600 tonnes of beef (including offal), making up 31% of total beef imports into the EU and valuing £577 million. 52% of the remaining import volumes into the EU originated from the South American states of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Future Implications

Moving forward, these trading relationships could well change due to the potential implications of the EU-Mercosur trade deal. If ratified, the deal could encourage higher volumes of competitively priced South American beef into the EU, pressuring farmgate prices. However, the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation may compromise market access, and the market impact of this is yet unclear.

Original story: AHDB

Growing Volatility in the Australian Cow Market

Australian Cow Market Sees High Volatility Amid Record Prices and Shifting Fundamentals

The Australian cow market is currently experiencing heightened volatility, driven by a combination of record prices, shifting supply and demand fundamentals, and external pressures such as adverse weather and evolving geopolitical developments.

According to Emily Tan, Market Information Analyst at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), producers are actively capitalising on historically high prices, although recent fluctuations reflect the delicate balance of market forces.

Market Fundamentals and Supply Trends

The recent volatility is closely tied to market fundamentals—particularly supply and demand dynamics. As supply increases, particularly of leaner cows, prices have begun to ease. However, many producers are still entering the market to take advantage of cow prices at their highest in over three years.

Cow Price Trends – March to April

Processor Cow Indicator:
- Final week of March: 304¢/kg liveweight (lwt)
- Last week: Rose by 33¢ to 319¢/kg lwt
- Current price: 10% above the previous week, and 28% above the 10-year average
Wagga Saleyards:
- 7 April: 2,150 cows yarded
- 14 April: 1,995 cows
- Heavy cow prices: 322–360¢/kg lwt
Dalby Saleyards (9 April):
- 991 cows yarded
- Prices eased by 27¢ to 285¢/kg lwt
- Previous week: 513 cows yarded, prices lifted by 31¢ to 312¢/kg lwt

Increased yardings—particularly of leaner cows—have driven price softening, while heavy cows continue to attract premiums.

Regional Price Variations

The regional cow market continues to reflect varied conditions:

Wagga: Heavy cows achieving up to 360¢/kg lwt
Dalby: Prices dipping to 285¢/kg lwt amid increased supply and easing quality

These regional differences underscore the impact of localised supply conditions, buyer demand, and market readiness.

External Influences: Weather & Geopolitics

External events are compounding market uncertainty:

US tariff policies are shifting global meat trade dynamics
Flooding in Western Queensland has disrupted supply chains and impacted livestock conditions

These factors are prompting greater caution among producers as they attempt to navigate an unpredictable marketplace.

Outlook: Uncertainty Amid Strong Demand

The Australian cow market remains robust but volatile, with producers attempting to seize favourable pricing despite uncertainty. Ongoing shifts in weather, global trade policy, and supply quality are likely to continue driving market fluctuations in the months ahead.

Key Takeaways:

Cow prices are at a three-year high, but market volatility is increasing.
Leaner cow supply is softening prices, while heavy cows remain in demand.
Regional markets show significant pricing variations.
External factors like weather and trade policy are influencing market behaviour.

Source: Emily Tan, MLA Market Information Analyst

Government Acts on Foot and Mouth Disease Threat

Government Implements New Measures to Prevent Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease

In response to a rising number of foot and mouth disease (FMD) cases across Europe, the Government has announced new measures to protect British livestock and ensure the security of farmers and the UK’s food supply. Starting Saturday 12th April, travellers will be prohibited from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use.

This ban includes items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged, or purchased at duty-free shops. While FMD poses no risk to humans and there are currently no cases in the UK, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals like wild boar, deer, llamas, and alpacas. The outbreak in Europe presents a significant threat to farm businesses and livestock in the UK.

FMD can lead to substantial economic losses due to production shortfalls in affected animals and loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat, and dairy products. Earlier this year, the Government had already banned personal imports of cattle, sheep, other ruminants, pig meat, and dairy products from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria following confirmed FMD outbreaks in those countries.

The new EU-wide restrictions aim to better safeguard the UK against the evolving disease risk and provide clear guidelines for travellers to help them comply with the regulations. These restrictions apply only to travellers arriving in Great Britain and do not affect personal imports from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

The Government’s proactive measures underscore the importance of protecting the health of British livestock and maintaining the security of the nation’s food supply amidst the ongoing FMD threat in Europe.

AIMS Comment

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has long advocated for a ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products. They welcome the Government’s announcement, stating:

“AIMS have urged the Government to impose a ban on personal imports for meat and dairy products for a considerable time. We welcome this announcement which will help to defend our borders from imported diseases such as FMD and ASF that posed such a threat to British farming, food processing and the wider economy.

The Government now need to ensure that travellers, especially those holidaying in Europe this summer, are made aware at the point of embarkation, that they are not permitted to bring in meat and dairy products to Great Britain.”

China Expands Access for Spanish Pork Amid Tariff War

China Signs Agricultural Trade Deal with Spain Amid US-China Tariff Tensions

Beijing/Madrid, April 11 (Reuters) – China has signed two new agricultural trade protocols with Spain, covering Spanish pork and cherries, in a move to strengthen ties with the European Union amidst intensifying US-China trade tensions. The agreement was announced by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during his visit to Beijing on Friday.

Pork Deal Opens Doors for Offal Exports to China

The new protocols include pork products that were previously restricted, such as pork stomachs—a delicacy in China but not widely consumed in Europe. The agreement marks a significant step forward for Spain’s meat industry, opening fresh opportunities in the world’s largest pork import market.

Daniel de Miguel, International Manager at Interporc, Spain’s pork producers association, noted the importance of the deal:

“This new inclusion is vital, as pork offal—such as stomachs, ears, and feet—is in high demand in China but often has limited value in European markets.”

The National Association of Spanish Meat Industries (ANICE) also welcomed the deal, citing the increasing global trade volatility:

“In a context of enormous international commercial turbulence, we welcome this gesture from China, which opens new doors for our pork exports,” the organisation said in a statement.

Strategic Timing Amid US-China Tariff Escalation

This agreement comes shortly after US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with 125% duties on US goods. Amid this escalating tariff war, China’s trade pivot towards the European Union is seen as a strategic counterbalance.

Potential Impact on Anti-Dumping Probe

Analysts believe the pork deal could signal a softening in China’s stance on its ongoing anti-dumping investigation into EU pork—a probe launched in response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

“This is great news for Spain’s pig farmers,” said Even Rogers Pay, agriculture analyst at Trivium China. “It suggests Chinese regulators may delay or ease the pork investigation, similar to what we’ve recently seen with EU brandy.”

The investigation, if fully enforced, could heavily impact top EU pork exporters like Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands, whose exports to China are dominated by offal cuts not commonly consumed in Europe.

Strengthening EU-China Agricultural Trade

The agreement underscores China’s broader strategy of building economic bridges with the EU while reducing reliance on the US during ongoing trade disputes. It also offers a boost to Spain’s agri-food sector, particularly amid volatile international market conditions.

Key Takeaways:

China and Spain sign trade deal covering pork (including stomachs) and cherries.
The deal may ease pressure from China’s anti-dumping probe on EU pork.
Agreement comes amid escalating US-China tariffs and trade realignments.
Positive outlook for Spanish pork exports and EU-China agri-trade relations.

Original source: Reuters

JBS to Invest in Two New Meat Plants in Vietnam

Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS has announced a $100 million investment to build two meat processing factories in Vietnam, marking a strategic move to expand its presence in Southeast Asia and strengthen its global market reach.

Key Project Details:

First Factory: Located in the Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park in Haiphong (northern Vietnam), this facility will include a logistics centre, along with storage, pre-processing, cutting, and packaging capabilities. It will primarily process beef, pork, and poultry using raw materials imported from Brazil, aimed at supplying both the domestic market and regional customers.
Second Factory: Planned for southern Vietnam, construction is expected to begin two years after the first facility becomes operational. It will offer similar infrastructure and capabilities.

The project was formalised through a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnamese government during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s recent state visit to Vietnam.

Renato Costa, president of JBS subsidiary Friboi, stated that the factories are not just about increasing capacity but also about creating value for the local economy. The investment aims to generate skilled jobs, enhance food security across Southeast Asia, and support the transfer of knowledge and technology through training programmes for Vietnamese workers.

The initiative is expected to create around 500 jobs and will contribute to developing Vietnam’s food production and export capabilities.

Original story: Vietnam Investment Review

Meat Charge Hike Squeezes Abattoirs

Abattoirs Hit by FSA Meat Charge Rise

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced a significant increase in meat inspection charges, set to take effect from 1 April 2025. This uplift is expected to add further financial strain on small and medium-sized abattoirs across the UK.

The hourly rates for official veterinarians (OVs) and meat hygiene inspectors (MHIs) visiting abattoirs will rise by 17.7% and 11.3%, respectively. The new rates will be £65.90 per hour for OVs and £43.20 per hour for MHIs. These charges apply to various approved meat premises, including slaughterhouses, cutting plants, and on-farm slaughtering facilities.

The FSA’s decision has sparked concern among industry leaders, who warn that the increased costs could lead to more abattoir closures, particularly affecting rural areas. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has called for more support for local abattoirs, highlighting the risk of increased journey times for animals and higher operational costs.

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has also voiced strong opposition, describing the fee hikes as an “unjustified gouge” on the sector. AIMS has challenged the legitimacy of the charges, arguing that traditional meat inspection delivers no discernible food safety benefits.

With the number of abattoirs in the UK already in decline, the new charges could exacerbate the situation, reducing competition and consumer choice. Industry experts are urging the FSA to reconsider the fee increases and explore structural reforms to support the struggling meat industry.

Original story: NFU Online

Ban on Austrian Livestock Imports

UK Bans Livestock Imports from Austria to Prevent Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease

The UK Government has announced a temporary ban on the commercial import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, and wild boar from Austria to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD). This precaution follows the confirmation of a new FMD case in Hungary, near the Austrian border.

Import Ban Expanded Amid FMD Outbreak in Europe

The import restrictions apply to live animals and untreated animal products such as fresh meat, dairy, and other raw goods. The ban now includes Austria, in addition to existing bans on imports from Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has emphasised that while FMD poses no risk to human health or food safety, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, wild boar, llamas, and alpacas.

Personal Imports Also Restricted

In addition to commercial imports, travellers are no longer permitted to bring the following items into Great Britain from Austria:

Meat and meat products
Milk and dairy products
Animal by-products from pigs and ruminants
Certain composite products
Hay and straw

These restrictions match existing measures already in place for Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.

Government Actions to Protect UK Livestock

Authorities are working closely with border control agencies and traders to manage the risk from any goods currently en route to Great Britain. Pre-notification and enhanced border checks are in place to prevent the entry of restricted items.

Livestock Keepers Urged to Stay Vigilant

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is calling on livestock farmers to remain alert for clinical signs of foot and mouth disease, particularly after recent outbreaks in Europe.

Common signs of FMD in livestock include:

Fever
Lameness
Excessive salivation
Blisters on the feet and mouth

Although no cases have been reported in the UK, the economic impact of an outbreak would be severe—leading to production losses, trade restrictions, and potential loss of access to export markets.

What Is Foot and Mouth Disease?

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. It spreads rapidly through animal contact, contaminated equipment, and even via clothing or vehicles.

Strict biosecurity practices are essential to prevent an outbreak and protect the UK’s livestock industry.

Key Takeaways:

UK bans imports of live animals and certain products from Austria due to FMD risk
Import restrictions also apply to Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany
Travellers face limits on personal imports of meat, dairy, and hay
Livestock owners are urged to maintain strict biosecurity

Source: Gov.UK

Sheep in Yorkshire Tests Positive for Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza Detected in Sheep in Yorkshire: A First for the UK

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed a case of avian influenza (H5N1) in a single sheep in Yorkshire. This case was identified following routine surveillance of livestock co-located on a premises where avian influenza had previously been confirmed in captive birds. The infected sheep was humanely culled to enable extensive testing, and further testing of the remaining flock revealed no additional cases of the virus.

This marks the first time that avian influenza has been reported in a sheep, although similar cases have been detected in livestock in other countries. Despite this, there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the UK’s livestock population. The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging all livestock keepers to remain vigilant and maintain good biosecurity to prevent the spread of the disease.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and poses a very low risk to public health. The Food Standards Agency has also reassured the public that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, remain safe to eat.

Original story: Gov.uk

Sainsbury’s and Cranswick Forge 10-Year Supply Partnership

Sainsbury’s has strengthened its relationship with meat and poultry giant Cranswick through a new 10-year supply agreement. Under this deal, Cranswick will provide all of Sainsbury’s British pork, sausages, premium bacon, gammon, and cooked meats.

This partnership aims to offer longer-term contracts and greater financial stability for the 170 farmers who supply Cranswick via the Sainsbury’s Pork Producer Group. The companies believe this will give farmers the confidence to invest in farms, factories, and procedures, thereby building resilience for the future.

The collaboration is also set to enhance welfare standards for the By Sainsbury’s British pork range, exceeding Red Tractor standards while maintaining great value for customers. The Taste the Difference pork range will continue to meet the RSPCA Assured standard, as it has for the past 17 years.

Rhian Bartlett, Sainsbury’s chief commercial officer, highlighted the benefits of the partnership: “This 10-year partnership with Cranswick means that we are able to place a bigger focus on animal welfare, financial security for our farmers, and sustainable production of our pork range; all while protecting value for customers.”

Sainsbury’s plans to invest £50 million to implement new production standards by 2030, with Cranswick contributing an additional £11 million to build new sheds and housing for pigs. This includes investment in flexible farrowing accommodation, providing extra space for sows and piglets.

The introduction of AI technology will enable 24/7 monitoring of the animals, informing improvements to welfare. Jim Brisby, Cranswick’s chief commercial officer, stated, “The purpose of the new partnership is to provide a total supply chain approach delivering a robust and differentiated consumer offer across British pork-related categories including fresh joints and steaks, sausages, cooked meats, and premium bacon and gammon.”

Bartlett added, “There is an ever-evolving relationship between retailers, farmers, and processors, but we hope this news serves as a good example of what is possible when people come together in the food system.”

Original story: The Grocer

China Renews U.S. Meat Export Licenses

Beijing has renewed registrations for hundreds of U.S. pork and poultry facilities, allowing them to continue exporting to China.

This move comes as a relief to U.S. farmers and meat companies, who have been navigating trade disputes with major agricultural importers, including China and Canada.

The renewals, which extend until 2030, were confirmed on China’s customs website. However, registrations for hundreds of U.S. beef facilities remain listed as “expired.” This situation has left U.S. exporters uncertain about the future of their shipments, as registrations for more than 1,000 U.S. meat plants granted under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade deal lapsed on Sunday.

The “Phase 1” trade deal, signed in 2020, aimed to end the previous U.S.-China trade war with a pledge from Beijing to boost its purchases of U.S. goods and services, including meat, by $200 billion over two years. Despite this agreement, China did not reach the target, which was set shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Shipments from facilities with lapsed registrations have continued to clear customs, but U.S. exporters remain unsure how long this will last. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has expressed concerns that China did not respond to repeated requests to renew plant registrations, potentially violating the Phase 1 agreement.

The renewals for pork and poultry are a positive development, but the uncertainty surrounding beef exports continues to pose challenges for U.S. meat producers.

Original story: Reuters