EU beef production drops 3% in the first quarter

In the first quarter of 2025, beef production in the European Union totaled 1.58 million tons, a 3% decrease compared to the same period last year—equivalent to a decline of approximately 56,000 tons. The sharpest reductions were seen in France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

The drop in EU beef production comes as imports from Mercosur have grown significantly. Despite the production decline, EU demand for beef remains strong, driving up import volumes. In the first quarter alone, imports rose 11% to reach 77,000 tons. The United Kingdom is the main supplier, but other countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay have also increased their shipments to the European market, according to Eurocarne.