Fresh or chilled beef market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German fresh or chilled beef market showed moderate volume fluctuations from 2018 to 2020, with a peak of 1.65 million t in 2019 before a decline to 1.56 million t in 2020. In value terms, the market remained relatively stable around $5.4–5.7 billion during this period.

A sharp market contraction occurred in 2021, with volume dropping to 1.14 million t. This was driven by declining per capita beef consumption, which fell to 9.4 kg, alongside a significant surge in producer prices that pushed the market value higher despite lower physical sales. The reopening of the out-of-home dining sector led to price adjustments. In 2022, consumption fell further to 8.7 kg per person, while logistics disruptions causing over 10-day delivery delays constrained supply. Record livestock prices and rising production costs simultaneously dampened incentives to expand output, contributing to a volume decline to 1.1 million t.

Market volume began recovering in 2023, rising to 1.16 million t supported by an increase in domestic beef production and slaughter numbers. High price levels and stable demand for premium and organic beef underpinned market value. This recovery continued into 2024, with volume reaching 1.2 million t, as production remained firm and stable demand alongside comparatively high prices sustained the market, even as per capita consumption stayed low and consumer preference continued shifting toward poultry.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's fresh or chilled beef production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 4 579 million US dollars, down 1.9% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 3.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 5 012 million US dollars. The sharpest drop was in 2019 at 6.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, Germany's fresh or chilled beef production volume decreased. In 2020, 1 465 thousand tonnes were produced, a decline of 7.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 14.5%, averaging 4.6% per year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 581 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase in 2018 at 19.6%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany's fresh or chilled beef exports reached 201.6 thousand tonnes, showing a significant drop of 11.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 16.6%, with an average annual decrease of 5.9%. The largest increase was in 2019 at 1.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Italy, and Denmark were the key partners for Germany's fresh or chilled beef exports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 30.3% of exports, Italy for 11.8%, and Denmark for 11.4%, together making up 53.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's fresh or chilled beef exports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 964 million US dollars, a 15.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 21.8%, with an average annual decline of 7.9%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Germany's fresh or chilled beef exports in value terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. The Netherlands accounted for 21.6% of export value, France for 13.5%, and Denmark for 13.3%, together representing 48.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany's fresh or chilled beef imports stood at 296.3 thousand tonnes, a slight decrease of 0.7% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 2.2%, with an average annual decline of 0.8%. The largest drop was in 2018 at 1.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 0.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and France consistently led as the top sources for Germany's fresh or chilled beef imports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 28.9% of imports, Poland for 12.9%, and France for 12.9%, together comprising 54.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's fresh or chilled beef imports have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 1 851 million US dollars, down 2.2% from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.4%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The peak value was in 2018 at 1 950 million US dollars. The sharpest drop was in 2019 at 2.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 0.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Argentina, and France were the main suppliers of fresh or chilled beef to Germany in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 26.3% of import value, Argentina for 14.4%, and France for 11.3%, together making up 52.1% of total imports.

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

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