Outlook EU pork production remains stable

Beef production is expected to decline by 1.2% in 2019 due to a reduction in cow herds and a low number of store cattle. This is mainly due exceptional high slaughterings in 2018 due to feed shortage. However, exports should increase by 15%, in the same period.
Poultry production will keep on growing in the EU in 2019, increasing by 2.5% after already a strong production growth in 2018. This sustained increased is thanks to good demand and high prices.
Demand for pigmeat should lead to an increase of 12% of EU exports in 2019. This growth in demand is especially coming from China due to the spread of African Swine Fever in the country. Production will nonetheless remain stable in the same period, due to a reduced breeding herd and environmental restrictions. In 2020, EU production is expected to grow around 1.4%.