Fresh or chilled beef market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish fresh or chilled beef market contracted in value between 2018 and 2020, falling from 2,600 million USD to 2,246 million USD. It then entered a phase of sustained growth, reaching 4,044 million USD by 2024. Production followed a similar path, declining initially before rising sharply from 2021 onward.

The market's expansion from 2021 was driven by multiple factors. In 2022, high inflation and increased feed grain prices raised production costs and consumer prices, boosting the market's value despite a drop in domestic consumption volumes. The drought in 2022 further constrained supply, supporting higher prices. In 2023, improved economic conditions and employment stabilized consumer demand, while herd rebuilding via increased live animal imports helped production recover. By 2024, growing exports of fresh beef, particularly to markets like Algeria and Europe, alongside a 2.4% rise in domestic fresh beef consumption, provided additional momentum.

Throughout the period, Spain's beef sector maintained a stable cattle herd of around 6.5 million head, which formed the base for production. The export share of national output rose significantly, reaching 40% by 2023, reflecting the industry's growing outward orientation.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Fresh or chilled beef production in Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2 471 million US dollars, showing relative stability compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 14.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 2 584 million US dollars. The most significant decline was observed in 2019 at 4.0%, while the largest increase took place in 2018 at 20.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, fresh or chilled beef production in Spain declined. In 2020, Spain produced 713.9 thousand tonnes, representing a moderate contraction of 5.3% from 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 753.9 thousand tonnes. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018 at 3.8%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Fresh or chilled beef exports from Spain increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 158.2 thousand tonnes, showing a modest rise of 6.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 20.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 129.3 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 at 1.9%, while the largest increase took place in 2019 at 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal accounted for 42.1% of Spain's fresh or chilled beef exports by volume, Italy for 17.7%, and the Netherlands for 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented 70.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's fresh or chilled beef exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 690.9 million US dollars, representing a 4.5% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 21.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal was the leading destination for Spain's fresh or chilled beef exports by value, accounting for 40.8% of total exports. Italy followed with 19.9%, and France with 9.0%. Together, these three markets represented 69.6% of Spain's total export value.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's fresh or chilled beef imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 79.9 thousand tonnes, marking a significant drop of 13.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.3%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 5.0%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2018 at 93.7 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 0.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland was the leading source of Spain's fresh or chilled beef imports by volume, accounting for 23.5% of total imports. The Netherlands followed with 19.6%, and Germany with 12.4%. Together, these three countries supplied 55.5% of Spain's total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Spain's fresh or chilled beef imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 465.9 million US dollars, showing a substantial decrease of 22.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 26.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 9.6%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 646.3 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 2.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the leading source of Spain's fresh or chilled beef imports by value, accounting for 26.6% of total imports. Poland followed with 15.9%, and Germany with 15.5%. Together, these three countries represented 58.0% of Spain's total import value.

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

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