Fresh or chilled beef market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Dutch fresh beef market volume fluctuated, starting at 433 thousand tons in 2018, falling to 375 thousand tons in 2019, and recovering to around 395 thousand tons by 2023. The market value followed a similar pattern, dropping to approximately 1,000 million US dollars in 2019-2021 before rising sharply to over 1,300 million US dollars in 2022. The year 2024 marked a significant downturn, with market volume declining sharply to 315 thousand tons and value falling to 1,208 million US dollars. This drop was primarily driven by the closure of the former Gosschalk slaughterhouse, which constrained processing capacity, and a sustained shift in consumer preference from beef to cheaper poultry meat, influenced by high pork prices.

Further market pressures in 2024 came from stricter European deforestation-free production rules, adding administrative burdens for beef producers. Retail dynamics also shifted, exemplified by Aldi Süd's move to sell only fresh German beef from specific animal welfare systems, reflecting broader trends toward sustainability and traceability. These factors combined to reduce both supply and demand, contributing to the market contraction.

Production fresh or chilled beef in the Netherlands

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Fresh or chilled beef production in the Netherlands declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 915 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 0.8% from the previous year. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 2 102 million US dollars. The most significant drop took place in 2019, with an 8.2% decline, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 9.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year decline, fresh or chilled beef production in the Netherlands saw an uptick. In 2020, the country produced 476.0 thousand tonnes, representing a gradual increase of 7.0% compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 7.2%, averaging an annualized decline of 2.4%. The lowest output was in 2019 at 445.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the steepest drop of 11.3%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, fresh or chilled beef exports from the Netherlands experienced a decline. In 2020, exports totaled 374.3 thousand tonnes, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 7.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5%, translating to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 405.0 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Italy consistently led as the top destinations for Dutch fresh or chilled beef exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 29.6% of exports, France for 15.9%, and Italy for 13.8%. Together, these three countries represented 59.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The Netherlands' fresh or chilled beef exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 2 303 million US dollars, showing a moderate decrease of 7.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 7.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.6%. The peak value was in 2018 at 2 637 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, France, and Italy were the leading buyers of fresh or chilled beef from the Netherlands in value terms. Germany held a 27.9% share, France 15.5%, and Italy 13.8%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 57.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year rise, fresh or chilled beef imports into the Netherlands declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 302.6 thousand tonnes, indicating a moderate decrease of 9.6% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 8.1%, averaging an annualized decline of 2.8%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 334.8 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 1.1%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, no single market dominated fresh or chilled beef imports into the Netherlands. Germany accounted for 22.2% of imports by volume, Belgium for 14.2%, and Poland for 10.0%. Together, these three countries made up 46.3% of total imports, with numerous smaller partners contributing modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Fresh or chilled beef imports into the Netherlands declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 410 million US dollars, reflecting a robust decrease of 10.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports fell by 12.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 682 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland played significant but not dominant roles as suppliers of fresh or chilled beef to the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 17.0% of imports, Belgium for 12.5%, and Ireland for 10.0%. Their combined share reached 39.5% of total import value.

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

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