Frozen beef market in Russia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the frozen beef market volume in Russia contracted from 312.3 thousand tons to 233.3 thousand tons. This decline was primarily driven by consumers shifting to cheaper chicken meat, reducing beef consumption. Concurrently, a sharp increase in beef exports to China, which grew 2.4 times in 2021, diverted a significant portion of domestic production away from the local market.

After 2021, the market entered a recovery phase, reaching 289.9 thousand tons in 2024. Reduced international travel by Russians supported higher domestic meat consumption. Furthermore, the launch of new meat processing plants in 2024 significantly boosted frozen beef production, while a 33% rise in imports from Belarus expanded total supply.

Production frozen beef in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's frozen beef production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 95.0 K t of frozen beef, marking a 12.7% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 33.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 67.0 K t. That year also saw the largest decline of 6.2%. In contrast, the most significant increase occurred in 2020, with production jumping by 25.9%.

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

Exports frozen beef from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's frozen beef exports have expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 30.3 K t, showing a substantial increase of 104.2% over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export volumes surged by 644.5%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 95.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan were the top destinations for Russia's frozen beef exports by volume. China accounted for 53.1% of exports, Vietnam for 12.1%, and Kazakhstan for 9.5%. Together, these three countries represented 74.7% of Russia's total frozen beef export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's frozen beef export revenues have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 191.7 M $ US, reflecting a sharp increase of 157.9% compared to the year before. Over the 2018-2021 period, export values grew by 1053.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 126.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China, Kazakhstan, and Belarus were the leading buyers of Russian frozen beef by value. China made up 61.2% of export revenues, Kazakhstan 7.7%, and Belarus 5.9%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 74.8% of Russia's total frozen beef export value over these years.

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

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

Imports frozen beef to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's frozen beef imports have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 168.7 K t, down by 15.5% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import volumes fell by 31%, equating to an average annual decline of 11.6%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Paraguay, Belarus, and Brazil were the main sources of Russia's frozen beef imports by volume. Paraguay supplied 40.1% of imports, Belarus 19.0%, and Brazil 17.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 76.5% of Russia's total frozen beef import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Russia's frozen beef import expenditures have declined for the third year running. In 2021, imports amounted to 678.4 M $ US, a decrease of 4.2% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, import values dropped by 24%, corresponding to an average annual reduction of 8.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Paraguay, Belarus, and Brazil were the primary sources of Russia's frozen beef imports by value. Paraguay contributed 40.8% of import costs, Belarus 18.9%, and Brazil 17.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 77.1% of Russia's total frozen beef import expenditures during this timeframe.

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

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