The global meat price index of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) rose 1.6% in April compared to March, the third consecutive monthly increase after seven months of decline. The increase was mainly driven by the prices of poultry and beef.
Poultry meat prices rose in April, driven by imports from Middle Eastern countries amid ongoing production challenges due to outbreaks of avian flu.
Beef prices continued to rise, supported by strong demand from key buyers despite increased domestic supply in some of the main importing countries.
Sheep meat prices had a slight recovery due to expectations of a seasonal reduction in supply in Oceania. Pork prices, however, fell marginally, reflecting weak domestic demand in Western Europe and persistent reduced demand from key importers, especially China.
The FAO meat index in April remained 0.4% below that of April last year.