The FAO Meat Price Index averaged 123.6 points in December, down 1.7 points (1.3%) from its revised November value, although it still stood 4.1 points (3.4%) above its level a year earlier.
Prices for all meats declined, with beef and poultry posting the largest drops.
The fall in global beef prices was driven by weaker quotations in Australia, where seasonally dry conditions increased the supply of animals for slaughter.
International poultry prices also declined, as ample export supplies outweighed global import demand.
Sheepmeat prices eased slightly due to higher seasonal supplies entering the market, despite solid international demand.
Pork prices edged lower, reflecting weaker quotations in the European Union amid sluggish global import demand.
For 2025 as a whole, the FAO Meat Price Index averaged 123.2 points, up 6.0 points (5.1%) from 2024, supported by firm global import demand and heightened market uncertainty linked to animal disease outbreaks and geopolitical tensions.
Global beef and sheepmeat prices rose sharply year-on-year, driven by strong import demand and limited exportable supplies.
By contrast, pork prices declined due to weaker global import demand, while poultry prices edged lower amid abundant supplies.
