The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates a world meat production of 346 million tons for 2021. This number represents an increase of 2.2% compared to 2020.
Beef production should add up to 72.4 million tons, 1.2% higher than in 2020. For poultry, the expectation is to produce 135.2 million tons, an increase of 1.3%. The pork global production is expected to reach 114.4 million tons in 2021, which represents an increase of 4.2%. Sheep meat production should reach 16.5 million tons, up 1.3% according to the FAO.
Even with the recovery of production in China, the country will still face a pork deficit in the domestic market and this should motivate expansion of production of all animal proteins in exporting countries, especially Brazil and the European Union. Europe and the United States should also expand production due to the resumption of food service sales.
Low cattle availability for slaughter, cost of grain, drought and restrictions related to Covid-19 might continue to impact exporting countries such as Australia, Argentina and regions in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Also according to the FAO, the global meat trade this year can add up to 41.9 million tons, an increase of 0.4% compared to that registered in 2020.
“The global meat trade is forecast to be driven by China, with its total meat purchases exceeding 11 million tonnes, induced by the continued large meat supply deficit and strategic stock replenishing demand , despite rising domestic production”, FAO said.