Frozen beef market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The Estonian frozen beef market operated under a new framework of labeling and hygiene rules established in 2018, which set standards for meat handling, storage at temperatures as low as -18°C, and transportation. These regulations, along with the presence of small domestic producers like Liivimaa Lihaveis, shaped the market's structure in the following years.

Market volume fluctuated, influenced by supply factors. In 2020, a shortage of domestic beef increased reliance on imported raw material. The following year, the European Union proposed the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), introducing due diligence obligations for companies placing goods on the EU market, which added new traceability requirements for the beef supply chain.

After reaching 2 092 t in 2021, the market volume declined to 1 967 t in 2022 while its value rose to $12.9 million, supported by ongoing strict hygiene and transport rules. A sharp contraction to 1 486 t occurred in 2023, followed by a recovery to 1 982 t in 2024.

Production frozen beef in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's frozen beef production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 247 thousand US dollars, marking a significant drop of 35.3% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 75.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 37.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Estonia's frozen beef production volume has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 31.3 tonnes of frozen beef, reflecting a sharp decline of 65.1% over the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, production dropped by 83.3%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 44.9%.

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

Exports frozen beef from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Estonia's cross-border shipments of frozen beef have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country exported 932 tonnes of frozen beef, representing a gain of 39.6% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 546 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 40.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Finland, Latvia, and Sweden—collectively accounted for 78.4% of Estonia's total frozen beef exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Estonia's cross-border shipments of frozen beef have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 3 780 thousand US dollars, showing an uptick of 55.0% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 086 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 43.7%.

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

Over the period 2018–2021, Finland, Latvia, and Sweden consistently led Estonia's frozen beef exports in value terms. Finland accounted for 60.4% of exports, Latvia for 14.0%, and Sweden for 7.1%, together making up 81.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports frozen beef to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Estonia's frozen beef import volumes have increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 2 993 tonnes, indicating a solid rise of 18.0% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 8.7%, equating to an average annual rate of 2.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 537 tonnes, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 6.0%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, the three largest markets for Estonia's frozen beef imports in volume terms were Poland, Lithuania, and the Netherlands, which together accounted for 74.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Estonia's frozen beef imports have increased. In 2021, the country imported a total of 13 622 thousand US dollars of frozen beef, showing a sharp uptick of 30.8% year-over-year. Over the period 2018–2021, imports rose by 13.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 10 417 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Lithuania, and the Netherlands were the primary suppliers of frozen beef to Estonia in value terms. Poland accounted for 43.2% of imports, Lithuania for 22.2%, and the Netherlands for 9.1%, jointly representing 74.6% of total import flows.

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

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