Fresh or chilled beef market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled beef in Sweden increased to 210.2 thousand tons in 2018, driven by higher domestic production and lower imports. The share of Swedish beef reached 52.1%, and poultry consumption caught up with beef, altering competitive dynamics. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the market volume to 200.9 thousand tons as imports fell by 14% and per capita consumption dropped to its lowest level since 2000, despite a slight production increase. Beef prices rose 24% above the EU average, lifting the market value to 1 352 million dollars.

After restrictions eased in 2021, the market value grew to 1 507 million dollars due to a 0.9% recovery in meat consumption and a return of imports to pre-pandemic levels. However, Swedish beef lost market share while pork strengthened its position. In 2022, meat consumption continued to grow weakly, but the Swedish market share fell to 70% as beef imports increased and local production faced investment shortages, limiting volume growth.

By 2023, the market experienced a shortage of Swedish beef, caused by rising energy and feed prices, as well as the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine. Consumer demand shifted toward organic beef and minced beef, creating supply bottlenecks. In 2024, increased slaughter led to a 6% rise in production compared to 2022, but reduced the cattle herd, while imports continued to grow by over 2% despite a Europe-wide shortage.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, Sweden's fresh or chilled beef production rebounded in value terms. In 2020, output reached 1 113 million US dollars, marking an 8.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value fell by 2.7%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 031 million US dollars, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 7.6% decrease.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Sweden produced 168.3 thousand tonnes of fresh or chilled beef, representing a 1.1% decline compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production volume decreased by 3.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 163.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.5%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 4.1% rise.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

After two years of contraction, Sweden's fresh or chilled beef exports expanded in volume. In 2020, exports totaled 8 211 tonnes, showing a substantial 22.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export volume decreased by 10%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 723 tonnes, which also experienced the sharpest decline of 18.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany remained the primary destination for Sweden's fresh or chilled beef exports by volume, accounting for 87.5% of total exports. Other markets played a much smaller role during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sweden's fresh or chilled beef export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 5.4 million US dollars, reflecting a modest 3.6% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 6.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland and Germany together accounted for 80.9% of Sweden's fresh or chilled beef export value. The remaining exports were distributed across various other markets in smaller proportions.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Sweden imported 40 855 tonnes of fresh or chilled beef, representing a 12.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import volume declined by 19.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.1%. The most notable increase occurred in 2019 with a 1.2% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ireland (26.7% of import volume), the Netherlands (25.2%), and Denmark (11.8%) were the largest suppliers of fresh or chilled beef to Sweden. Together, these three countries accounted for 63.6% of Sweden's total imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's fresh or chilled beef import value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 243.6 million US dollars, showing a 9.8% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 21.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (27.7% of import value), Ireland (24.7%), and Denmark (11.0%) consistently held the top positions in Sweden's fresh or chilled beef import structure by value. Collectively, these three suppliers accounted for 63.4% of total import value.

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

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