The European Union’s capacity to export beef has been hit by a shortage of cattle on the continent and high prices.
Data for the period January to October 2025 shows that EU beef exports decreased by almost 16% compared to the same period in 2024.
Over 704,000t of beef was exported in the first 10 months of last year, down from the 992,000t exported in the same period in 2024.
“The shortage of animals and the subsequent reduction of the production, together with a reduced competitiveness due to the high prices, are limiting EU’s capacity to export,” the European Commission has said.
The UK accounts for the biggest share of EU beef exports, accounting for almost 38% of product. Exports are down 7% for the period year on year.
Exports to Turkey have halved. Some countries registered increases in EU beef exports, including Ghana, Switzerland and Algeria.
Imports
According to the latest statistics available, the period January to October 2025 saw beef imports into the EU increase by 18.3%, in relation to the same period in 2024.
“Imports increased from all the main partners, except the US. The UK and Brazil were the first suppliers, followed by Argentina and Uruguay.
“With its reduced internal supply and high prices, the EU remains an attractive market in the international context,” the commission said.
Beef imports from Brazil were up 30% for the period to just shy of 93,000t, Argentine imports were up 21% to 68,500t and Uruguayan imports were up almost 39% to 53,800t.
New Zealand beef imports were up 30%. However, this is from a low base, to 6,400t.
Looking at the global market, the commission said the tight supply and the solid demand make the trade very dynamic.
“Brazil continues to lead world exports followed by Australia. As for imports, China and the US remain, by and large, the leaders of the world demand.”
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The European Union’s capacity to export beef has been hit by a shortage of cattle on the continent and high prices.
Data for the period January to October 2025 shows that EU beef exports decreased by almost 16% compared to the same period in 2024.
Over 704,000t of beef was exported in the first 10 months of last year, down from the 992,000t exported in the same period in 2024.
“The shortage of animals and the subsequent reduction of the production, together with a reduced competitiveness due to the high prices, are limiting EU’s capacity to export,” the European Commission has said.
The UK accounts for the biggest share of EU beef exports, accounting for almost 38% of product. Exports are down 7% for the period year on year.
Exports to Turkey have halved. Some countries registered increases in EU beef exports, including Ghana, Switzerland and Algeria.
Imports
According to the latest statistics available, the period January to October 2025 saw beef imports into the EU increase by 18.3%, in relation to the same period in 2024.
“Imports increased from all the main partners, except the US. The UK and Brazil were the first suppliers, followed by Argentina and Uruguay.
“With its reduced internal supply and high prices, the EU remains an attractive market in the international context,” the commission said.
Beef imports from Brazil were up 30% for the period to just shy of 93,000t, Argentine imports were up 21% to 68,500t and Uruguayan imports were up almost 39% to 53,800t.
New Zealand beef imports were up 30%. However, this is from a low base, to 6,400t.
Looking at the global market, the commission said the tight supply and the solid demand make the trade very dynamic.
“Brazil continues to lead world exports followed by Australia. As for imports, China and the US remain, by and large, the leaders of the world demand.”
Read more
Brussels confirms damning Brazilian failures on hormone beef controls
Irish share of UK beef imports fell in 2025
US beef exports down 12% in 2025
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