Beef and buffalo meat market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the introduction of mandatory origin labeling for beef in the EU enhanced supply chain transparency in Sweden, coinciding with growing consumer preference for local meat. This supported demand, contributing to market volume growth to 248.9 thousand tons in 2019. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted consumption patterns, boosting retail sales but reducing the restaurant sector, leading to an overall market volume decline to 239.9 thousand tons.

In 2021, market volume fell sharply to 201.4 thousand tons, largely due to a dramatic drop in domestic production, which decreased by 44.7 thousand tons. While factors for that year noted an increase in overall meat consumption, beef production faced rising input costs, a trend that became explicit in 2022. In 2022, beef consumption grew by 3%, stimulating a market volume recovery to 210.6 thousand tons, despite continued production declines due to high costs.

By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 209.7 thousand tons. During this time, the EC announced a review of origin labeling rules, and Swedish authorities planned to introduce new origin information requirements for meat in restaurants from March 1, 2025. These regulatory developments continued to shape the environment, while dialogue between authorities and businesses simplified compliance.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sweden's beef and buffalo meat production increased after two years of decline. In 2020, output was valued at 1 198 million US dollars, marking a 10.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 085 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

Beef and buffalo meat production in Sweden rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden produced 182.1 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 1.3% increase from 2019. The lowest output was recorded in 2018 at 173.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.3%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Sweden's beef and buffalo meat exports increased. In 2020, Sweden exported 8 645 tonnes, up by 21.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 116 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 17.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany remained the primary destination for Sweden's beef and buffalo meat exports in volume terms, accounting for 83.8% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decrease, Sweden's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 8.3 million US dollars, representing an 8.3% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Germany, and Spain were the main buyers of Sweden's beef and buffalo meat in value terms. Finland accounted for 61.8% of exports, Germany for 14.5%, and Spain for 5.7%, together making up 82.0% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's beef and buffalo meat imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden imported 66 457 tonnes, which is 12.8% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 21.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Poland were the main sources for Sweden's beef and buffalo meat imports in volume terms. Ireland accounted for 25.0% of imports, the Netherlands for 19.5%, and Poland for 15.2%, together representing 59.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 359.5 million US dollars, down by 10.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 23.2%, with an annualized rate of 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Poland were the primary sources for Sweden's beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 22.6% of imports, Ireland for 22.4%, and Poland for 13.0%, together making up 58.1% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020