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World’s Best Import Markets for Beef

import market

World’s Best Import Markets for Beef

Beef is one of the most widely consumed meats globally, and the demand for high-quality beef continues to grow. As a result, the international beef trade plays a crucial role in meeting this demand and providing consumers with a diverse range of beef products. In this article, we will explore the world’s best import markets for beef, examining the key statistics and figures sourced from the IndexBox market intelligence platform.

1. China: A Meat-Loving Giant

China has emerged as the leading import market for beef, with an import value of 17.8 billion USD in 2022. The rising disposable incomes and changing dietary preferences of Chinese consumers have contributed to the growing demand for beef in the country. Additionally, the increasing urbanization and Westernization of Chinese diets have also played a significant role in this trend.

2. United States: A Dominant Force

The United States ranks second in terms of beef imports, with an import value of 7.7 billion USD in 2022. Despite being a leading producer and exporter of beef, the U.S. also imports a significant amount to meet the demand for certain cuts and specialties. It is worth noting that the U.S. imports a considerable amount of beef from neighboring countries, such as Canada and Mexico, due to their geographical proximity.

3. South Korea: A Growing Market

South Korea is another important market for beef imports, with an import value of 4.2 billion USD in 2022. The country has experienced a surge in beef consumption, driven by changing dietary habits and increasing affluence. South Korean consumers have developed a taste for premium beef cuts, leading to a rise in imports from countries known for their high-quality beef, such as Australia and the United States.

4. Japan: A Traditional Market

Japan remains a significant player in the global beef import market, with an import value of 3.7 billion USD in 2022. Despite being a traditional market for beef, Japan has been facing challenges in maintaining its domestic production due to an aging farming population and limited land availability. As a result, the country heavily relies on imports to meet the demand for beef, especially high-quality Wagyu beef.

5. Netherlands: A European Hub

The Netherlands has established itself as a key import market for beef, with an import value of 2.5 billion USD in 2022. The country acts as a distribution hub for beef in Europe due to its central location and efficient logistics infrastructure. Additionally, the Netherlands is known for its high-quality beef processing industry, making it an attractive destination for imported beef.

6. Italy: A Culinary Delight

Italian cuisine is renowned for its delicious meat dishes, and beef plays a significant role in traditional Italian recipes. Italy imports around 2.5 billion USD worth of beef, sourcing both premium cuts and lower-grade meat for various culinary purposes. The country’s love for beef, especially in dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, drives its import market.

7. Germany: Meeting Growing Demand

Germany is a leading player in the European beef import market, with an import value of 2.5 billion USD in 2022. The country has witnessed a steady rise in beef consumption, especially due to the influence of international cuisines and changing dietary preferences. German consumers rely on imports to meet the growing demand for beef, particularly for niche and specialty products.

8. France: A Gastronomic Paradise

France is renowned worldwide for its gastronomy and culinary traditions, and beef holds a special place in French cuisine. The country imports around 2.0 billion USD worth of beef, allowing French consumers to enjoy a diverse range of beef products from different regions. The demand for premium cuts and specialty beef items drives the import market in France.

9. United Kingdom: A Beef-Loving Nation

The United Kingdom is known for its love of beef, and it imports approximately 1.5 billion USD worth of beef products. Despite being a significant producer and exporter of beef, the UK imports certain cuts and specialty items to meet the demand of its discerning consumers. The import market in the UK primarily caters to the diverse needs of its population.

10. Chile: South America’s Beef Powerhouse

Chile has emerged as a prominent player in South America’s beef export market, with an import value of 1.5 billion USD in 2022. The country is known for its extensive cattle ranching and production capabilities, allowing it to export high-quality beef to various international markets. Chilean beef is valued for its taste, tenderness, and sustainability, making it a sought-after choice in the global import market.

In conclusion, the world’s best import markets for beef are diverse and reflect the changing dietary preferences and culinary traditions of different countries. China leads the pack with its soaring demand for beef, while the United States remains a dominant force despite being a significant beef producer. Countries like South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Chile also play crucial roles in the global beef import market, offering consumers access to a wide range of beef products from different regions. For detailed and up-to-date information on the beef import market, the IndexBox market intelligence platform provides valuable insights and data.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

pork cuts

The Largest Import Markets for Fresh Pork Cuts

When it comes to importing fresh pork cuts, there are several countries that stand out as the world’s best import markets. These countries have a high demand for fresh pork cuts and import significant amounts each year. In this article, we will explore the top 10 countries in terms of import value for fresh pork cuts, using data from the IndexBox market intelligence platform.

1. Mexico

Mexico ranks as the top country for the import value of fresh pork cuts, with a staggering 2.1 billion USD in 2022. The demand for pork in Mexico is constantly increasing due to its popularity in traditional dishes. The country relies heavily on imports to meet this demand, making it a lucrative market for exporters of fresh pork cuts.

2. Italy

Italy is the second-largest import market for fresh pork cuts, with an import value of 1.2 billion USD in 2022. Italian cuisine is renowned for its use of pork in various dishes, and the demand for high-quality fresh pork cuts is consistently high. As a result, Italy relies on imports to fulfill its domestic needs, making it an attractive market for exporters.

3. Poland

Poland ranks third on the list, with an import value of 377.6 million USD in 2022. The country has a strong tradition of meat consumption, including pork, and the demand for fresh pork cuts is robust. Despite being a major pork producer itself, Poland imports a significant amount of pork to cater to its domestic demand.

4. Germany

Germany, known for its sausage production, is the fourth-largest import market for fresh pork cuts, with an import value of 236.7 million USD in 2022. The love for pork in German cuisine is well-known, and the country relies on imports to supplement its domestic pork production, making it an important market for exporters worldwide.

5. United States

The United States is another significant market for fresh pork cuts, with an import value of 192.0 million USD in 2022. While the country is a major exporter of pork, it also imports a considerable amount to meet the demand for specific cuts and to diversify its pork offerings in the market.

6. France

France, known for its culinary expertise, ranks sixth on the list, with an import value of 126.0 million USD in 2022. French cuisine features a wide range of pork dishes, and the demand for high-quality fresh pork cuts remains strong. As a result, France imports a significant amount to meet its culinary needs.

7. Slovakia

Slovakia, a country with a rich meat-eating culture, is the seventh-largest import market for fresh pork cuts, with an import value of 108.2 million USD in 2022. Pork is a staple in Slovakian cuisine, and the demand for fresh cuts is substantial. The country relies on imports to ensure a steady supply of high-quality fresh pork cuts.

8. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, known for its love for pork-based dishes like bacon and sausages, ranks eighth on the list, with an import value of 102.0 million USD in 2022. The country relies on imports to meet its domestic demand for fresh pork cuts, as it enjoys a wide variety of pork-based dishes.

9. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, with its strong meat-eating culture, is the ninth-largest import market for fresh pork cuts, with an import value of 92.2 million USD in 2022. The demand for fresh pork cuts in the Czech Republic is driven by its culinary traditions and the popularity of pork-based dishes.

10. Belgium

Belgium completes the top 10 list as an import market for fresh pork cuts, with an import value of 52.7 million USD in 2022. Pork is a popular meat choice in Belgium, and fresh pork cuts are in high demand. Importing helps supplement the domestic production and cater to the market needs.

Conclusion

These countries represent the world’s best import markets for fresh pork cuts. The demand for pork, especially fresh cuts, remains high in these countries due to their culinary traditions and cultural preferences. Exporters looking to tap into these lucrative markets can leverage the data provided by the IndexBox market intelligence platform to make informed decisions and develop effective export strategies.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform 

meat

The Top Chicken Meat Import Markets in the World

Chicken meat is one of the most widely consumed and versatile meats in the world, making it a highly sought-after commodity in international trade. The global import market for chicken meat is dominated by several countries that exhibit significant demand for this protein source. In this article, we will explore the top import markets for chicken meat based on the import value data sourced from the IndexBox market intelligence platform.

1. China

China takes the lead as the world’s largest importer of chicken meat with an import value of $4.1 billion in 2022. The growing middle class and changing dietary preferences have contributed to the increasing demand for poultry products in China. The country’s import market for chicken meat is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.

2. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom ranks second among the top import markets for chicken meat, with an import value of $1.8 billion in 2022. Despite being a major producer of poultry, the UK relies on imports to meet its domestic demand. The UK’s import market for chicken meat is driven by its thriving foodservice industry and changing consumption patterns.

3. France

France is another significant player in the global import market for chicken meat, with an import value of $1.6 billion in 2022. The French population’s strong preference for white meat, including chicken, drives the import demand. Additionally, France is a key market for processed chicken products, which further boosts its import value.

4. Germany

Germany shares the third position with France in terms of import value, also amounting to $1.6 billion in 2022. The country’s robust food processing industry and high per capita consumption of chicken contribute to its substantial imports. The demand for processed chicken products, such as sausages and ready-to-eat meals, drives Germany’s import market.

5. Japan

Japan ranks fifth among the top import markets for chicken meat, with an import value of $1.5 billion in 2022. The country’s consumption of chicken meat has increased significantly in recent years due to changing dietary habits and a preference for lean protein sources. Japan heavily relies on imports to meet its domestic demand for chicken.

6. Netherlands

The Netherlands shares the fifth position with Japan, also recording an import value of $1.5 billion in 2022. The country serves as an important distribution hub for chicken meat in Europe. The Netherlands imports significant quantities of chicken to cater to its domestic demand and for re-exporting purposes to neighboring countries.

7. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia ranks seventh among the world’s top import markets for chicken meat, with an import value of $1.2 billion in 2022. As one of the largest consumers of poultry globally, the Saudi Arabian market offers immense opportunities for chicken meat exporters. The country heavily relies on imports to meet its domestic demand for chicken.

8. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds the eighth position in terms of import value, amounting to $1.1 billion in 2022. The UAE’s reliance on imported chicken meat stems from its growing population, rising tourism sector, and increasing demand for processed poultry products. The country’s import market for chicken meat is expected to grow further in the coming years.

9. Mexico

Mexico ranks ninth among the top import markets for chicken meat, with an import value of $966.9 million in 2022. The country’s preference for affordable protein sources, coupled with a growing population and rising urbanization, has fueled the demand for imported chicken meat. Mexico heavily relies on imports to supplement its domestic chicken production.

10. Hong Kong SAR

Hong Kong SAR completes the list of the world’s top import markets for chicken meat, with an import value of $583.1 million in 2022. The region’s high per capita consumption of poultry, coupled with limited domestic production, drives the demand for imported chicken. Hong Kong SAR extensively relies on imports to satisfy its chicken meat requirements.

In conclusion, the global import markets for chicken meat are driven by various factors such as changing consumption patterns, increasing population, growing tourism, and thriving foodservice industries. China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and Hong Kong SAR are the world’s best import markets for chicken meat based on their import values in 2022.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform 

markets

The World’s Best Import Markets for Meat

1. China

China, with an import value of 23.7 billion USD, claims the top spot as the largest importer of meat in the world. The country’s massive population and growing middle class have led to increased demand for meat products. Chinese consumers are particularly fond of pork, beef, and chicken. This vast market presents a significant opportunity for meat exporters worldwide.

2. United States

The United States, known for its strong meat industry, ranks second on the list. With an import value of 11.1 billion USD, the country relies on imports to meet its diverse meat demand. The United States is a major importer of beef, poultry, and pork, sourcing meat from various countries, including Australia, Canada, and Mexico.

3. Japan

Japan, a meat-loving nation, is the third-largest importer, with an import value of 8.2 billion USD. Despite its limited land availability for livestock farming, the country has a significant domestic demand for meat. Japan imports various meat products, including beef, pork, and poultry, from countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada.

4. South Korea

South Korea, renowned for its cuisine that heavily incorporates meat dishes, stands as the fourth-largest importer of meat. With an import value of 6.6 billion USD, the country relies on imports to satisfy its meat requirements. South Korea primarily imports beef, pork, and poultry from the United States, Australia, and Europe.

5. Italy

Italy, known for its rich culinary heritage and love for meat-based dishes, occupies the fifth spot on the list. The country’s import value for meat in 2022 was 5.2 billion USD. Italy imports various types of meat, including beef, pork, and poultry, from countries like Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.

6. Germany

Germany, a major player in the European meat market, is the sixth-largest importer globally. With an import value of 4.6 billion USD, the country relies on imports to meet its growing demand for meat. Germany imports a variety of meat products, including beef, pork, and poultry.

7. France

France, known for its cuisine and appreciation for high-quality food, ranks seventh on the list of top meat import markets. The country’s import value for meat in 2022 was 3.9 billion USD. France imports meat from various countries, including Germany, Spain, and Belgium, to cater to its diverse culinary traditions.

8. Netherlands

The Netherlands, a significant player in the global meat trade, holds the eighth position on the list. With an import value of 3.7 billion USD, the country imports meat from countries like Germany, Belgium, and Denmark. The Netherlands is known for its extensive meat processing industry.

9. Mexico

Mexico, with its vibrant cuisine and growing population, stands as the ninth-largest importer of meat. The country’s import value for meat in 2022 was 3.4 billion USD. Mexico mainly imports beef, pork, and poultry from the United States and Canada.

10. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom completes the top ten list of the world’s top meat import markets. With an import value of 2.8 billion USD, the country relies on imports to meet its meat requirements. Due to its limited domestic production capacity, the United Kingdom imports various types of meat, including beef, pork, and poultry.

Conclusion

The global meat market heavily relies on imports to meet the diverse meat demands of various countries. China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Mexico, and the United Kingdom make up the top ten import markets for meat. These countries play a crucial role in shaping the global meat trade and present significant opportunities for meat exporters worldwide.

 

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

meat market

China Leads the Expansion of Lamb And Sheep Meat Market in Asia-Pacific

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Asia-Pacific – Lamb And Sheep Meat – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the lamb and sheep meat market in Asia-Pacific amounted to $26B in 2018, increasing by 2.2% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The total market indicated a prominent increase from 2007 to 2018: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last eleven-year period. The level of lamb and sheep meat consumption peaked in 2018 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Consumption By Country in Asia-Pacific

The country with the largest volume of lamb and sheep meat consumption was China (2.7M tonnes), accounting for 73% of total volume. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Australia (250K tonnes), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was occupied by India (207K tonnes), with a 5.6% share.

From 2007 to 2018, the average annual growth rate of volume in China amounted to +2.3%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Australia (-3.0% per year) and India (-1.9% per year).

In value terms, China ($20.1B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Australia ($1.4B). It was followed by India.

In 2018, the highest levels of lamb and sheep meat per capita consumption was registered in Australia (10,056 kg per 1000 persons), followed by Afghanistan (3,272 kg per 1000 persons), China (1,861 kg per 1000 persons) and Pakistan (859 kg per 1000 persons), while the average per capita consumption of lamb and sheep meat in the region was estimated at 886 kg per 1000 persons.

Market Forecast 2019-2025 in Asia-Pacific

Driven by increasing demand for lamb and sheep meat in Asia-Pacific, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next seven years. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.4% for the seven-year period from 2018 to 2025, which is projected to bring the market volume to 4.1M tonnes by the end of 2025.

Production in Asia-Pacific

The lamb and sheep meat production totaled 4.1M tonnes in 2018, flattening at the previous year. Over the period under review, lamb and sheep meat production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern.

Production By Country in Asia-Pacific

China (2.4M tonnes) constituted the country with the largest volume of lamb and sheep meat production, accounting for 58% of total volume. Lamb and sheep meat production in China exceeded the figures of Australia (668K tonnes), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was occupied by New Zealand (440K tonnes), with a 11% share.

From 2007 to 2018, the average annual growth rate of volume in China amounted to +1.4%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Australia (-0.2% per year) and New Zealand (-2.5% per year).

Producing Animals and Yield in Asia-Pacific

In 2018, approx. 245M heads of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in Asia-Pacific; remaining constant against the previous year. The average lamb and sheep meat yield totaled 17 kg per head in 2018, flattening at the previous year. In general, the lamb and sheep meat yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern.

Exports in Asia-Pacific

In 2018, the amount of lamb and sheep meat exported in Asia-Pacific totaled 858K tonnes. Over the period under review, lamb and sheep meat exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports stood at $5.3B (IndexBox estimates) in 2018.

Exports by Country

Australia (419K tonnes) and New Zealand (408K tonnes) dominates lamb and sheep meat exports structure, together mixing up 96% of total exports. India (25K tonnes) held a relatively small share of total exports.

In value terms, the largest lamb and sheep meat exporters in Asia-Pacific were also New Zealand ($2.6B), Australia ($2.5B) and India ($145M), with a combined 99% share of total exports. In terms of the main exporting countries, India experienced the highest growth rate of market size, over the period under review, while exports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2018, the lamb and sheep meat export price in Asia-Pacific amounted to $6,169 per tonne, picking up by 8.9% against the previous year. The export price indicated a buoyant expansion from 2007 to 2018: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the export prices for lamb and sheep meat reached their peak figure at $6,336 per tonne in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2018, export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was New Zealand ($6,458 per tonne), while India ($5,784 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports in Asia-Pacific

In 2018, the lamb and sheep meat imports in Asia-Pacific amounted to 443K tonnes, surging by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, lamb and sheep meat imports continue to indicate a prominent increase, driven by rising supplies to China. Over the period under review, lamb and sheep meat imports reached their peak figure in 2018 and are expected to retain its growth in the immediate term. In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports totaled $1.8B (IndexBox estimates) in 2018.

Imports by Country

China dominates lamb and sheep meat imports structure, reaching 282K tonnes, which was approx. 64% of total imports in 2018. Malaysia (36K tonnes) took an 8.1% share (based on tonnes) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Japan (5.8%). The following importers – Singapore (19K tonnes), Taiwan, Chinese (19K tonnes), South Korea (16K tonnes), Papua New Guinea (12K tonnes) and China, Hong Kong SAR (7.8K tonnes) – together made up 17% of total imports.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the lamb and sheep meat imports, with a CAGR of +16.8% from 2007 to 2018. At the same time, South Korea (+14.4%), Malaysia (+6.6%), Singapore (+6.4%), China, Hong Kong SAR (+1.1%) and Japan (+1.0%) also displayed positive paces of growth. Taiwan, meanwhile, experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Papua New Guinea (-7.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period.

In value terms, China ($884M) constitutes the largest market for imported lamb and sheep meat in Asia-Pacific, comprising 48% of total lamb and sheep meat imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Japan ($204M), with a 11% share of total imports. It was followed by Malaysia, with a 9.7% share.

Import Prices by Country

In 2018, the lamb and sheep meat import price in Asia-Pacific amounted to $4,157 per tonne, coming down by -3.3% against the previous year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($8,067 per tonne), while China ($3,132 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform