Fresh or chilled beef market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled beef in Lithuania stood at 11 522 t in 2018, supported by economic growth and strong domestic demand, although competition from imported beef, particularly from Argentina, pressured local producers. By 2019, volume fell to 10 212 t, but recovered to 11 543 t in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer behavior and favorable labor market conditions helped sustain consumption. A significant expansion followed in 2021, with volume reaching 13 280 t, driven by economic recovery, rising consumer preference for fresh and high-quality products, and investments in logistics and digital delivery solutions.

In 2022, market volume stabilized at 12 987 t as rising production costs due to raw material price volatility and the energy crisis, coupled with geopolitical uncertainty from the war in Ukraine, affected the market. The following year, volume dropped sharply to 10 717 t amid continued geopolitical tension and international economic conditions that disrupted supply chains and pricing, even as the market invested in technology and adapted to consumer demand for gourmet items and fast delivery. A surge in imports pushed volume up to 14 371 t in 2024.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two years of decline, fresh or chilled beef production in Lithuania has rebounded. In 2021, output reached 123.6 million US dollars, marking a significant 22.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 14.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 100.7 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 5.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following a two-year contraction, fresh or chilled beef production in Lithuania has shown an upturn. In 2021, Lithuania produced 28 996 tonnes, representing a 5.7% increase compared to 2020. The lowest production level was in 2020 at 27 434 tonnes, with the most significant decline also occurring that year at 3.4%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Lithuania's exports of fresh or chilled beef reached 20 718 tonnes, reflecting an 8.2% increase from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 19 146 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 20 786 tonnes. The most substantial decline took place in 2020, when exports fell by 7.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden emerged as Lithuania's primary partners for fresh or chilled beef exports by volume. Italy accounted for 23.5% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 21.6%, and Sweden at 16.9%. Together, these three countries represented 62.0% of Lithuania's total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Lithuania's fresh or chilled beef exports have increased. In 2021, export value reached 95.156 million US dollars, showing a substantial 27.0% year-over-year growth. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 16.8%, equivalent to an average annual increase of 5.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 74.898 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring that year at 5.5%.

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

During the 2018–2021 period, Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands were the main markets for Lithuania's fresh or chilled beef exports by value. Italy accounted for 23.4% of export value, Sweden for 20.5%, and the Netherlands for 18.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 62.5% of Lithuania's total export value in this category.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

Lithuania's imports of fresh or chilled beef have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 5 002 tonnes, showing a sharp 53.7% rise compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports surged by 94.2%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 24.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland dominated Lithuania's fresh or chilled beef imports by volume, accounting for 75.6% of total imports. The remaining imports were distributed among a diverse group of smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market for fresh or chilled beef imports into Lithuania showed notable fluctuations during this period. The value in 2021 was twice as high as the minimum recorded in 2019. In 2021, import value reached 18.386 million US dollars, representing a 74.3% increase from 2020. The lowest value was in 2019 at 9.172 million US dollars, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 3.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Poland, Denmark, and Latvia were the leading suppliers of fresh or chilled beef to Lithuania by value. Poland accounted for 68.6% of import value, Denmark for 10.9%, and Latvia for 8.4%. Together, these three countries represented 87.9% of Lithuania's total import value in this category.

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

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