Browse Data and Analysis

The efficiency of Ukraine’s beef production remains low, with most beef derived from dairy animals.

Post expects livestock numbers and beef production to continue their decrease through 2025. Beef production efficiency remains low, with the majority of beef derived from dairy and dual-purpose animals.

The 2023 U.S. Agricultural Export Yearbook provides a statistical summary of U.S. agricultural commodity exports to the world during the 2023 calendar year.

In 2023, Ukraine's cattle inventory and beef production remained on a three-decade-long downward trend. The decrease in consumer numbers and comparatively high beef prices resulted in a domestic consumption drop and increased exports of both live cattle for slaughter and beef.

In October 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant and Animal Health Inspection Service and the Colombian Institute for Agriculture agreed on import requirements for U.S. bovine meat and bone meal (MBM) to Colombia. Colombia’s steady economy growth, increasing production of proteins, and growing demand for high quality pet food are creating new opportunities to increase exports of MBM products to the country.

Ukraine’s cattle inventory is expected to remain on its historical downward trend in 2023 and 2024. Exports of live cattle and beef will remain strong as lower disposable incomes result in decreased domestic demand.

The 2022 U.S. Agricultural Export Yearbook provides a statistical summary of U.S. agricultural commodity exports to the world during the 2022 calendar year.

After a major decrease in 2022, Ukraine’s cattle and swine population is expected to decline further in 2023. Although some war-related factors have already had their negative impact, the refugee crisis, disposable income drops, and a weakened economy are expected to depress livestock sector development further.

Both cattle and swine numbers are expected to decrease significantly in 2022, driven by the war-related economic downturn. Pork production is expected to show a decrease, while 2022 beef production is expected to show a short-term spike. Production of both proteins is expected to drop in 2023.