Production of bovine and ovine meat also increased slightly, while pig meat remained stable due to weak demand in China. The global meat trade rebounded by 4.7%, reaching 42.5 million tonnes, thanks to easing inflation and stronger consumer purchasing power, especially in developed economies.
Meat prices rose overall, with ovine meat seeing the sharpest increase (+9.1%), followed by bovine (+6.7%) and poultry (+1.5%). Pig meat prices declined by 2% due to oversupply and weak demand in Asia.
Poultry production expanded globally, led by China, Brazil, the U.S., and the EU, despite challenges like avian influenza. Exports rose, especially from Brazil and China, while U.S. and Turkish exports fell.
Bovine meat production grew by 2.8%, mainly in Brazil and Australia. U.S. imports surged, with Australia overtaking Canada as its top supplier. China and Iran also increased imports.
Pig meat production was steady, but trade rose 3%, with rising demand in Mexico, Japan, and Korea. China's imports declined significantly, although Brazil and the U.S. diversified their export markets.
Ovine meat output saw modest growth (+0.6%), with Australia and India leading gains. Exports increased by 7.5%, driven by U.S. and Middle Eastern demand, despite reduced imports by China.
