Salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the physical volume of the salted and processed beef market in Asia declined from 39 thousand tons to 32 thousand tons. However, market value rose in 2019, reflecting a shift toward higher-value ready-to-eat products as consumers increasingly sought convenient meat options.

Recovery began in 2021, with market volume reaching 48.6 thousand tons by 2023. This expansion was supported by advancements in beef cattle farming, including greater standardization and mechanization, which boosted production efficiency. Simultaneously, the implementation of a zero-tariff policy on Australian beef increased imports and placed downward pressure on prices, stimulating consumption.

Market competition intensified with the growing presence of international players such as JBS, Marfrig, and Cargill. In 2024, new food safety standards and measures to stabilize beef production were introduced, while demand for convenient ready-to-eat meat products continued to shape the market landscape.

Production salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

World map of production of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

Production of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef in Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Asia produced 31 442 tonnes, marking a 6.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 7.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 35 773 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 22.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef from Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market for salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef exports in Asia showed significant volatility during this period. Exports varied by a factor of 3.4, reaching their lowest point in 2017 and peaking in 2019. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 146 tonnes, representing a modest year-over-year reduction of 6.3%. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 222 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 103.2%.

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

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment for salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef exports in Asia. Exports varied by 2.4 times, with the lowest value in 2018 and the highest in 2019. In 2020, Asia's export volume was recorded at 11 665 thousand US dollars, showing a strong decline of 12.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 5 560 thousand US dollars in 2018, while the maximum was 13 318 thousand US dollars in 2019. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 28.9%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 139.5%.

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

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

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

Imports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef to Asia

Imports in kind, t

The market for salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef imports in Asia exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports showed a 4.1-fold difference, with the lowest point in 2019 and the peak in 2018. In 2020, cross-border shipments to Asia came to 1 959 tonnes, which is 109.4% higher compared to 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 935 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 3 858 tonnes. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 75.8%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 113.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and Italy were the main destinations in the geographical breakdown of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef imports to Asia in kind. The United States accounted for 23.4% of imports, Canada for 23.1%, and Italy for 5.9%, with these three countries together representing 52.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior for salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef imports in Asia during these years. Import levels fluctuated by 2.6 times, with the low in 2019 and the high in 2018. In 2020, Asia's imports reached 17 124 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a sharp rise of 105.1% versus the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 350 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 21 858 thousand US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 61.8%.

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

Throughout the period from 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef imports to Asia in value terms were the United States, Canada, and Italy. Together, they accounted for 60.2% of total import flows.

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

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