European Union: Livestock and Products Semi-annual

Rising input costs, stringent regulations, and disease outbreaks are undermining the EU cattle sector's viability, leading to projected declines in herd sizes and beef production by 2026. These supply constraints and restricted imports are driving up beef prices, which is subsequently curbing domestic consumption. Meanwhile, the swine sector is restructuring as oversupply and trade barriers cause prices to plummet, forcing a reduction in the pig crop and slaughter particularly across Western Europe. While internal pork consumption remains supported by these lower prices, overall EU exports are expected to face significant cuts due to disease-related bans.