High costs put pressure on European beef and pork sectors

The implementation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy at the national level is not expected to contain the ongoing decline in beef production, as EU member states are expected to increase their focus on supporting small farms.

EU beef imports are projected to recover to nearly pre-coronavirus levels in 2023, due to lower domestic production. In addition to high raw material prices, the EU pig sector is facing reduced domestic and EXPORT demand.

Negative market factors combined led to a record drop in the total number of pigs and sows in 2022. Due to the smaller breeding herd, the supply of animals for slaughter is expected to decrease this year. Less availability of animals for slaughter will also force the sector to restructure. it is predicted that in 2023 pork exports will decrease to the level of 2016-2019.