Fresh or chilled beef market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the fresh beef market in Norway expanded in volume from 116.5 thousand tons to 135.2 thousand tons. The growth in 2021 was driven by a rebound in red meat consumption to 53 kg per person and higher beef production due to increased slaughter of dairy cows. Import quotas for fresh beef from the EU and SACU were also utilized to meet demand.

The market volume contracted to 122.8 thousand tons in 2022 after the removal of COVID-19 restrictions led to lower meat sales and reduced imports. That year, mandatory origin labeling for all beef was introduced. In 2023, beef sales fell to their lowest level since 2014, and major producer Nortura raised prices, with consumer prices for beef increasing by 11.8%, contributing to a decline in market value to $1 148 million. By 2024, the market value recovered to $1 217 million.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Norway

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Norway's fresh or chilled beef production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 1 238 million US dollars, marking a solid rise of 19.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 15.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 025 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in the same year, dropping by 4.8%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Norway's fresh or chilled beef production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 117.0 thousand tonnes, which is 3.4% higher than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 8.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Norway

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. From 2021 to 2020, there was a peak-to-trough amplitude of 106 times. In 2021, Norway's volume of fresh or chilled beef exports totaled 8 tonnes, showing a dramatic increase of 10,523.6% compared to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 0.1 tonnes, with the largest decline that year being 98.4%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Sweden remained the primary destination for exports in kind, accounting for 80.9% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed across various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Exports varied by a factor of 64 from a high in 2021 to a low in 2020. In 2021, Norway exported 0.1 million US dollars of fresh or chilled beef, indicating an abrupt gain of 6,258.6% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 0.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year being 96.8%.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, Sweden consistently accounted for 84.3% of total exports in value terms, highlighting a high concentration on this market. The remainder was shared among other countries.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Norway's fresh or chilled beef imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 18 234 tonnes, up by 32.5% from the year before. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports surged by 108%, with an average annual growth rate of 27.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 107 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in the same year, falling by 7.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, rising by 69.7%.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, Germany, Namibia, and Lithuania consistently held leading positions in the country structure of imports in kind. Germany accounted for 67.5% of imports, Namibia for 10.5%, and Lithuania for 6.7%, jointly making up 84.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Norway's fresh or chilled beef imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 100.5 million US dollars, up by 30.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 43.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 57.4 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in the same year, dropping by 17.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, rising by 34.5%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, Namibia, and Botswana remained the main markets for imports in value terms of fresh or chilled beef to Norway. Germany accounted for 46.0% of imports, Namibia for 25.2%, and Botswana for 11.9%, jointly taking 83.1% of total flows.

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

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