Fresh or chilled beef market in Latvia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for fresh or chilled beef in Latvia grew from 18.6 million U.S. dollars to 22.0 million U.S. dollars. This increase was supported by a trend toward raising beef cattle, particularly on lands less suitable for other agricultural sectors, and a shift among farms toward fattening cattle for higher-value sales on both the domestic and export markets. The number of specialized beef farms grew slowly during this period, contributing to the market's expansion.

Following a dip to 20.4 million U.S. dollars in 2021, the market recovered to 23.2 million U.S. dollars in 2022 and then surged dramatically to 39.3 million U.S. dollars in 2023. This strong growth coincided with a significant increase in domestic production, which reached 61.5 million U.S. dollars in 2023, and a rise in imports to 22.3 million U.S. dollars.

In 2024 and 2025, market dynamics were shaped by notable price inflation and shifting consumer preferences. Beef prices rose by 22% in 2024 and by an average of 45% in 2025, elevating costs for consumers. Concurrently, interest in local and organic beef grew, especially among younger families. The sector faced challenges including livestock and labor shortages, adverse weather, and insufficient state support, creating uncertainty alongside ongoing global pressures from pandemic aftermaths and supply chain logistics.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Latvia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Latvia's fresh or chilled beef production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 49 699 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 24.3% rise compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 15.4%, which translates to an average annual increase of 4.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 36 742 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 14.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Latvia's fresh or chilled beef production volume has risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 15 542 tonnes, representing a 20.8% increase over the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 12.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 12 274 tonnes, when the largest decline of 11.4% occurred.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Latvia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of decline, Latvia's fresh or chilled beef export volume has rebounded. In 2021, exports reached 10 594 tonnes, a 23.8% increase compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 8 557 tonnes, with the largest drop in 2019 at 18.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Finland, and Poland remained the top three markets for Latvia's fresh or chilled beef exports in volume terms, collectively accounting for 84.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, fresh or chilled beef exports from Latvia have increased. In 2021, export value totaled 40 049 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 52.6% year-over-year rise. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 17.1%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 26 244 thousand US dollars, with the largest decrease in 2019 at 21.4%.

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

During 2018-2021, the Netherlands, Finland, and Belgium were the main destinations for Latvia's fresh or chilled beef exports in value terms. Together, they absorbed 80.9% of total exports, with the Netherlands accounting for 63.1%, Finland for 11.6%, and Belgium for 6.3%.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Latvia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decrease, fresh or chilled beef imports to Latvia have risen. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately 1 871 tonnes, reflecting a strong 22.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 1 528 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland consistently led as the top sources for Latvia's fresh or chilled beef imports in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 80.1% of total flows, with Lithuania at 45.2%, Estonia at 24.0%, and Poland at 10.9%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year drop, Latvia's fresh or chilled beef imports have increased. In 2021, import value totaled 10 722 thousand US dollars, a 29.5% rise over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 10.4%, equating to an average annual increase of 3.4%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 8 278 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 7.9%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Lithuania, Estonia, and the Netherlands formed the key group of partners for Latvia's fresh or chilled beef imports in value terms. Collectively, they represented 71.2% of total flows, with Lithuania at 35.1%, Estonia at 19.4%, and the Netherlands at 16.7%.

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

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