Browse Data and Analysis

Australian beef production and exports are forecast to reach record levels in 2025, building on the record export results achieved in 2024. This situation is similar to 2014 and 2015, when strong U.S. demand was driven by herd rebuilding leading to similar peaks in beef production and exports for Australia.

Both EU beef and pork production, as well as exports, are forecast to temporarily increase this year. Beef production will increase because of high carcass and beef prices combined with an overall dim outlook for the sector, incentivizing farmers to slaughter their cattle.

In 2024, Australian beef supply has surged and is projected to reach the second-highest production level on record in 2025. This anticipated expansion follows a major turning point in 2024, with production estimated to increase by 14 percent from 2023 and 34 percent from the 2022 low.

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.

Australian beef supply is forecast to climb after the herd rebuild period ends. The marked slowdown in the growth of the national herd is expected to drive a higher female slaughter rate, increase the overall supply of cattle for slaughter, and boost live cattle and beef exports in 2024.

While EU beef production is forecast to further decline in 2024 due to a structural unprofitability of the sector and mounting environmental regulations, the EU pork supply is projected to rebound in 2024.

Both EU beef and pork production are trending down to record lows in 2023 and 2024.

Australian beef supply is forecast to recover in 2024 to the point of reaching the sixth highest production on record.

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.

The Australian cattle industry is expected to continue its strong herd rebuild in 2023 and Australian beef supply is expected to recover after falling to the lowest level in twenty-five years in 2021 and in 2022.

High feed and energy prices and environmental restrictions are pressuring both cattle and swine farmers in the European Union (EU), leading to a reduction in operations.

Forced by record high feed and energy prices and tightening environmental restrictions, EU cattle and swine farmers are scaling back production. High carcass prices have encouraged cattle farmers to advance the slaughter of their herds, but lower slaughter weights will put pressure on overall beef production this year.