Global beef market characteristics:
- The relaxation of the export policy in Argentina and the unblocking of the Chinese market for Brazilian beef (imposed import ban in September 2021 due to BSE) may reduce demand for EU beef and slow the decline in imports. However, intensifying cost pressures (concentrate feed and fertiliser) will continue to keep domestic supply low and cattle prices high over the next several months (2022-23).
- Average quotations of the beef market in Poland are available within the Integrated Agricultural Market Information System on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Data from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) shows that in January 2021, the volume of total industrial cattle slaughterings amounted to nearly 131,500 head, down 19% year-on-year. The sharpest decline was seen in bulls, bullocks and steers, which were slaughtered at 66,000 head, 23% less year-on-year. The average live weight of slaughtered animals was 594 kg, 9 kg lower year-on-year.
- As the majority of beef produced in Poland is exported – it follows that the situation of Polish producers is strongly dependent on this distribution channel. The difficult situation in 2020 (related to COVID-19, restriction of HoReCa activities across Europe), translated into lower export demand, especially in the second quarter of 2020. However, the following months (Q3 2020 and beyond) managed to almost make up for these losses. Ultimately, 381,000 tonnes of fresh, chilled and frozen beef were exported from Poland in 2020, worth EUR 1.37 billion.
Sources: https://www.farmer.pl/produkcja-zwierzeca/bydlo-i-mleko/wzrosty-cen-wolowiny-w-polsce-sa-jednymi-z-najwiekszych-w-ue,114654.html
Agro Nawigator 4/2021, https://www.pkobp.pl/media_files/bfa8030e-b39d-492a-96c8-0ec361d1a4de.pdf
Foreign Trade Statistical Yearbook 2021, Warsaw 2021