France: Beef Market 2025

Beef Market Size in France

The French beef market stood at $X in 2021, standing approx. at the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption showed a slight setback. Beef consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Beef Production in France

In value terms, beef production shrank slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a mild descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 7.4%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of beef (cattle meat) in France dropped slightly to X kg per head in 2021, remaining constant against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the yield increased by 2.7%. Over the period under review, the average beef yield reached the maximum level at X kg per head in 2020, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

The number of animals slaughtered for beef production in France contracted modestly to X heads in 2021, approximately mirroring 2020 figures. Overall, the number of producing animals recorded a slight slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 1%. Over the period under review, this number reached the maximum level at X heads in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, producing animals failed to regain momentum.

Beef Exports

Exports from France

In 2021, overseas shipments of beef (cattle meat) were finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a slight setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, beef exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a slight decrease. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Italy (X tons), Germany (X tons) and Greece (X tons) were the main destinations of beef exports from France, with a combined 65% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Belgium, the Netherlands and Israel, which together accounted for a further 24%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Israel (with a CAGR of +30.6%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for beef exported from France were Italy ($X), Germany ($X) and Greece ($X), together accounting for 66% of total exports. These countries were followed by Belgium, the Netherlands and Israel, which together accounted for a further 23%.

Israel, with a CAGR of +33.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average beef export price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 10% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Israel ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Greece ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Israel (+2.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Beef Imports

Imports into France

In 2021, the amount of beef (cattle meat) imported into France expanded significantly to X tons, surging by 12% against 2020. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible setback. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, beef imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, showed a mild downturn. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), Ireland (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main suppliers of beef imports to France, together accounting for 57% of total imports. Belgium, Poland, the UK, Spain and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 40%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Poland (with a CAGR of +9.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest beef suppliers to France were the Netherlands ($X), Ireland ($X) and Belgium ($X), together accounting for 60% of total imports. Germany, the UK, Poland, Italy and Spain lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 37%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Poland, with a CAGR of +9.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average beef import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 15% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a mild increase. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the highest price was recorded for prices from the Netherlands ($X per ton) and Belgium ($X per ton), while the price for Poland ($X per ton) and Spain ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+3.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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