Fresh or chilled beef market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, beef production reached 22 804 t, with the market volume at 16 492 t. The meat industry underwent structural changes after privatization and EU accession, leading to more non-state players and heightened competition. By 2019, market volume grew to 18 243 t, despite reports of low-quality or defective beef being offered in retail, which reflected the underdeveloped beef consumption culture in Hungary. However, in 2020, production fell sharply to 15 711 t and market volume dropped to 12 254 t, coinciding with emerging consumer trends favoring environmentally friendly and health-conscious alternatives, such as plant-based meat substitutes.

After 2020, while comprehensive market volume data is unavailable, industry factors highlight a sustained rise in beef prices. From 2021 onward, prices increased due to higher input costs and international market dynamics. By 2024, beef had become a luxury item in Hungary, reducing domestic consumption. The industry shifted further toward exports, primarily to European and Middle Eastern markets, while discount chains expanded their retail presence, altering sales channels.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's fresh or chilled beef production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 49 971 thousand US dollars, representing a significant drop of 30.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production fell by 32.3%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2020, Hungary produced 15 711 tonnes of fresh or chilled beef, marking a 31.2% decrease year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2020, production declined by 31.1%, with an annualized rate of 11.7%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 22 833 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred that same year at 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's fresh or chilled beef export volume has fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 8 912 tonnes, showing a modest decline of 5.6% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 29%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark remained the primary buyers of Hungary's fresh or chilled beef exports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 46.3% of exports, Austria for 20.6%, and Denmark for 8.3%, collectively making up 75.2% of total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Hungary's fresh or chilled beef export value increased in 2021. Exports amounted to 33 561 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 25.2% rise year-over-year. However, from 2018 to 2021, overall exports decreased by 24.3%, with an annualized rate of 8.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 26 801 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 23.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In terms of value from 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark continued to be the main buyers of Hungary's fresh or chilled beef. The Netherlands represented 45.0% of export value, Austria 19.6%, and Denmark 10.2%, together accounting for 74.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's fresh or chilled beef import volume was recorded at 6 000 tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 3.9%, with an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 5 982 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 6 633 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 9.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Austria, Poland, and the Netherlands were the key partners for Hungary's fresh or chilled beef imports by volume. Austria contributed 37.9% of imports, Poland 26.7%, and the Netherlands 22.7%, collectively representing 87.3% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary's fresh or chilled beef import value reached 34 339 thousand US dollars, a 15.1% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 5.1%, with an annualized rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 29 828 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the period 2018 to 2021, Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland were the primary suppliers of fresh or chilled beef to Hungary by value. Austria accounted for 34.2% of import value, the Netherlands 26.7%, and Poland 24.2%, together making up 85.0% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021