Which Nation Produces The World’s Most Beef?

The United States Reigns Supreme in Global Beef Production

The U.S. continues to be the largest producer of beef in the world, with a forecasted production of approximately 12.3 million tons in 2024. This dominance has been a consistent pattern for years, even as the country faces challenges like drought conditions and rising production costs. The American beef industry operates with remarkable efficiency, producing massive quantities despite having fewer cattle than some other nations. Unlike many other countries that focus heavily on exports, the United States maintains a strong domestic market that consumes the majority of its production, making it both the largest producer and one of the top consumers worldwide.

The US is currently hosting record low cattle inventories, following several years of liquidation due to climactic and financial pressures. This has contributed to US cattle and beef prices climbing to record highs in 2024. Despite these challenges, American beef remains in high demand both domestically and internationally.

Brazil Emerges as the World’s Second Powerhouse

In 2024, Brazil was forecast to produce some 10.8 million metric tons of beef and veal, making the country the second largest producer of beef worldwide, following only the United States. What makes Brazil particularly interesting is that it’s not just a major producer but also the world’s leading exporter. Brazil is today the world’s largest exporter of beef (23% of global exports) and its second largest producer, and has one of the largest and most sustainable cattle herds in the world.

The national herd counts 213.6m heads of cattle. According to official figures from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Brazil has the world’s largest commercial cattle herd, around 234.4 million head. This massive cattle population provides the foundation for Brazil’s impressive production capabilities and export success.

China’s Growing Beef Production Reaches Third Place

China ranks third in beef production, contributing 7.1 million tons to global output. China’s rising production is a result of marginal increases in cow inventory, coupled with strong domestic demand for beef. The growth in Chinese beef production is particularly noteworthy because it’s driven by changing consumer preferences and rising incomes across the country.

In turn, China is the largest beef consuming country in the world and its production is growing rapidly. Despite being a major producer, China remains heavily dependent on imports to meet its enormous domestic demand, making it the world’s largest beef importer as well.

India’s Surprising Fourth Position in Global Rankings

India is expected to produce 4.4 million tons of beef in 2024. Despite regulatory and cultural challenges around beef consumption. India remains a major producer, largely due to the inclusion of buffalo meat (often referred to as carabeef) in its beef production totals. This might come as a surprise to many, given the cultural significance of cattle in Hindu religion.

It ranks fourth place as the world’s largest beef producer with a production of 4.35 million tons in 2022. This may seem surprising considering that the majority of Indians are Hindus, who consider cows sacred and abstain from eat them. However, India has a population that already represents around 20% of the total Global population and in addition, the country has a large cattle herd with around 306 million heads.

Argentina’s Traditional Beef Excellence Faces Modern Challenges

Argentina, traditionally one of the top beef producers, is expected to see a decrease in production to 3.2 million tons due to lower slaughter rates following drought-induced liquidation in 2023. The country remains a prominent exporter, but its output has been affected by herd contraction. Argentina has long been synonymous with premium beef quality, but recent environmental challenges have impacted production levels.

With 3.14 million tons of beef produced in 2022, Argentina is the fifth largest beef producer in the world. The country has a very considerable cattle herd, with more than 53 million heads and a meat production system highly efficient. Argentina has vast areas of natural pastures and extensive breeding, which results in animals raised sustainably.

Mexico’s Growing Role in North American Beef Production

Mexico is forecast to produce approximately 2.2 million tons, benefiting from a growing cattle herd and increased slaughter rates. Mexico’s beef industry has been steadily expanding, driven by both domestic consumption and export opportunities to neighboring countries. The country’s strategic location provides significant advantages for trade with both the United States and other Latin American markets.

In sixth place in the ranking is Mexico, with a production of 2.18 million tons last year. This country has a growing cattle herd, with around 17 million heads. It is important to highlight that Mexico has a strong domestic market for beef, which boosts production in addition to the technological and infrastructure investment that the country is making.

Australia’s Recovery Following Drought Years

Australia is projected to increase its beef production to 2.4 million tons in 2024 as the country continues herd rebuilding efforts after years of drought. Despite this recovery, challenges remain, including high production costs and the impact of fluctuating global demand. Australia’s beef industry has shown remarkable resilience in bouncing back from severe drought conditions that devastated cattle herds in previous years.

We have also seen an increase in Australia’s live trade in 2024, with cattle moving across the water to Asian counties such as Indonesia and Vietnam. Looking forward, it is expected that the Australian cattle herd will begin to contract in 2025, as producers move into a liquidation phase following years of restocking. Beef production is expected to grow by a further 1% in 2025 as a result – supported by greater cow slaughter – before falling in 2026.

European Union’s Declining Production Trends

EU beef production grew in the first half of 2024, driven by strong prices and resilient demand. However, the European Commission (EC) are forecasting a slight decline in beef production in 2024, down 0.5% year-on-year, as structural contraction in the breeding herds plays into slaughter cattle availability. This easing of production is expected to continue into 2025, with the EC forecasting down 1% year-on-year, as herds continue to contract.

Drivers for this include increasing environmental regulation and an ageing farmer population, among others. This tightness in supply is expected to offer support to European cattle prices generally. The European beef sector faces unique challenges that distinguish it from other major producing regions around the world.

Canada’s Production Challenges and Market Position

Canada is expected to face a decline in beef production to 1.3 million tons as a result of herd contraction and higher input costs. Despite being geographically close to the world’s largest beef market, Canada’s production faces significant headwinds. The country’s beef industry must navigate rising costs while competing with larger producers in the global market.

Canada’s position as both a producer and major supplier to the United States creates unique market dynamics. The country benefits from trade agreements that facilitate cross-border beef trade, but also faces challenges from currency fluctuations and regulatory differences between the two nations.

Global Production Trends and Market Stability

In 2024, overall global beef production is expected to remain stable, despite declines in some countries. The increase in production from Brazil and Australia is expected to offset declines in key markets like the United States, Argentina, and the European Union. In addition, Brazil and Australia are positioned to take a larger share of global beef exports.

In 2024, it is forecast that the global beef and veal production will be about 72.7 million metric tons. This stability in global production comes despite various challenges including climate change, rising feed costs, and changing consumer preferences in different regions.

Export Leaders Versus Production Giants

In 2024, the top exporters of beef and veal worldwide were forecasted to be Brazil and Australia, with an export volume of over 2.9 million and 1.7 million metric tons of beef and veal respectively. Interestingly, the countries that produce the most beef aren’t always the ones that export the most, as domestic consumption patterns vary significantly between nations.

A total of 2.89 million tons were exported, an increase of more than 26% compared to last year. The volume exported generated US$ 12.8 billion, approximately 22% more than the amount earned in 2023. Brazil’s export success demonstrates how production capability combined with strategic market positioning can create global dominance in trade flows.

Future Outlook and Changing Global Dynamics

We have seen a bumper year for global beef production in 2024, with many countries reaching peaks in production supported by strong demand. Looking forward to 2025, production is forecast to ease across many of the key beef producers, whilst expectations are for demand to remain fairly strong. This points to strength in beef prices across the globe as demand competes for available supplies.

The global beef industry continues to evolve as climate change, sustainability concerns, and shifting consumer preferences reshape production patterns. While the United States maintains its position as the world’s largest producer, countries like Brazil are demonstrating that strategic focus on both production efficiency and export capabilities can create significant competitive advantages in the global marketplace. The industry’s future will likely be determined by how well producers can balance growing demand with environmental sustainability and economic viability.