Belgian beef Neighbours countries remain most important markets
According to the official survey, 2,373,100 cattle were kept throughout Belgium in 2019. This corresponds approximately to the previous year's level. Beef production is estimated at 263,750 t, a drop of just under 5% or 13,560 t compared to 2018. In a five-year comparison, Belgian beef production fell by an average of 0.5% annually.
Demand within the EU declines
Despite declining volumes, 73% of foreign trade was accounted for by the three most important neighbouring countries - the Netherlands, France and Germany. While the Netherlands ordered 10% less beef in Belgium, France and Germany cut their requirements by 1.4 and 19% respectively.
Italy and Luxembourg complete the top 5 list. With a 17% increase in imports to 4,316 t, the country bucked the trend. Deliveries to the other top 10 customers also failed to match the previous year's figures.
Ghana and Ivory Coast remain important partners
The Ivory Coast and Ghana remain the most important destinations for Belgian beef outside the EU, with volumes also declining. With 4,227 t or a drop of 17% compared to the previous year, the Ivory Coast ranks sixth on the global customer list. Ghana, on the other hand, fell back to tenth place with a volume of 2,536 t or a minus of 59%.
76% of the Belgian export package consisted of cuts, mainly fresh quarters (29%), fresh boneless cuts (21%) and fresh forequarters (10%).By-products accounted for 24% of exports.