The global meat production is expected to show only marginal growth compared to last year (less than 0.2%), reaching around 370.7 million tons. This forecast is from the new Food Outlook by the FAO. The largest share will continue to be poultry, accounting for nearly 40% of the total and with production expected to increase by 0.76%.
In its report, the FAO notes that meat prices have been recovering in 2024. However, on an annual average basis, prices are expected to be more than half a percent lower than those achieved last year. The decline could be even more pronounced compared to two years ago, with an estimated decrease of around 4% over the biennium.
The expected increase rate (very close to that expected for beef, at 0.65%) is not particularly significant. However, it represents an additional volume of 1.1 million tons – insufficient to cover the projected decline in pork (almost 1%; or about 1.2 million tons less), but it helps ensure expansion in global supply. In international trade (exports and imports), poultry meat is expected to see the smallest annual increase (+1.24%).