Demand for EU beef has slowed down due to high prices, the European Commission has said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe overall uncertainty about the economy seems to be the main factor influencing such correction.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, the short supply continues to sustain prices at high level and, for the time being, still favourable margins for producers,\u201d it said. <\/p>\n
For the week ending 17 May 2026, the EU average price for cattle was \u20ac6.67\/kg, a price which is down 1.76% on the previous week and down 5% on the previous month.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrices continue to be at high level, but are clearly declining and going through a significant downward correction<\/a>,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n EU beef production in the period of January to February 2026 was down 4% in volume terms compared with 2025, with the Commission stating there were \u201csignificant declines\u201d in almost all member states, resulting in short supply.<\/p>\n Exports<\/strong><\/p>\n The shortage in supply also hit EU beef exports, with volumes down 17.7% in January compared with the same month in 2025. EU exports to the UK were down 11% for the month. However, some of this decline in EU beef demand is due to the trade deals the UK has completed with Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n On the other hand, beef imports were up 25% in January 2026 compared with January 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cImports increased from all the main partners, except the US, and most significantly from Brazil (+58%) surpassing the UK as first supplier, and Uruguay (+50%). The short internal EU supply and the, still, high prices are attracting imports,\u201d the Commission said.<\/p>\n Read more<\/p>\n Downward correction in EU beef prices \u2013 Commission<\/a><\/p>\n Demand for EU beef has slowed down due to high prices, the European Commission has said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe overall uncertainty about the economy seems to be the main factor influencing such correction.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, the short supply continues to sustain prices at high level and, for the time being, still favourable margins for producers,\u201d it said. <\/p>\n For the week ending 17 May 2026, the EU average price for cattle was \u20ac6.67\/kg, a price which is down 1.76% on the previous week and down 5% on the previous month.<\/p>\n