Demand for EU beef has slowed down due to high prices, the European Commission has said.
“The overall uncertainty about the economy seems to be the main factor influencing such correction.
“However, the short supply continues to sustain prices at high level and, for the time being, still favourable margins for producers,” it said.
For the week ending 17 May 2026, the EU average price for cattle was €6.67/kg, a price which is down 1.76% on the previous week and down 5% on the previous month.
“Prices continue to be at high level, but are clearly declining and going through a significant downward correction,” it added.
EU beef production in the period of January to February 2026 was down 4% in volume terms compared with 2025, with the Commission stating there were “significant declines” in almost all member states, resulting in short supply.
Exports
The shortage in supply also hit EU beef exports, with volumes down 17.7% in January compared with the same month in 2025. EU exports to the UK were down 11% for the month. However, some of this decline in EU beef demand is due to the trade deals the UK has completed with Australia and New Zealand.
On the other hand, beef imports were up 25% in January 2026 compared with January 2025.
“Imports increased from all the main partners, except the US, and most significantly from Brazil (+58%) surpassing the UK as first supplier, and Uruguay (+50%). The short internal EU supply and the, still, high prices are attracting imports,” the Commission said.
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Downward correction in EU beef prices – Commission
Demand for EU beef has slowed down due to high prices, the European Commission has said.
“The overall uncertainty about the economy seems to be the main factor influencing such correction.
“However, the short supply continues to sustain prices at high level and, for the time being, still favourable margins for producers,” it said.
For the week ending 17 May 2026, the EU average price for cattle was €6.67/kg, a price which is down 1.76% on the previous week and down 5% on the previous month.
“Prices continue to be at high level, but are clearly declining and going through a significant downward correction,” it added.
EU beef production in the period of January to February 2026 was down 4% in volume terms compared with 2025, with the Commission stating there were “significant declines” in almost all member states, resulting in short supply.
Exports
The shortage in supply also hit EU beef exports, with volumes down 17.7% in January compared with the same month in 2025. EU exports to the UK were down 11% for the month. However, some of this decline in EU beef demand is due to the trade deals the UK has completed with Australia and New Zealand.
On the other hand, beef imports were up 25% in January 2026 compared with January 2025.
“Imports increased from all the main partners, except the US, and most significantly from Brazil (+58%) surpassing the UK as first supplier, and Uruguay (+50%). The short internal EU supply and the, still, high prices are attracting imports,” the Commission said.
Read more
Downward correction in EU beef prices – Commission
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