Ireland: Fresh Beef Carcase Market 2025

Fresh Beef Carcase Market Size in Ireland

The Irish fresh beef carcase market stood at $X in 2022, increasing by 5.7% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -2.2% against 2019 indices. Fresh beef carcase consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Fresh Beef Carcase Production in Ireland

In value terms, fresh beef carcase production surged to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Fresh Beef Carcase Exports

Exports from Ireland

In 2022, after four years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas shipments of fresh or chilled carcases of beef and veal, when their volume increased by 186% to X tons. Overall, exports, however, saw a deep contraction. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, fresh beef carcase exports rose markedly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 51%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The UK (X tons) was the main destination for fresh beef carcase exports from Ireland, accounting for a 63% share of total exports. Moreover, fresh beef carcase exports to the UK exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Italy (X tons), sixfold. France (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with an 8.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to the UK totaled -1.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Italy (-2.9% per year) and France (-3.9% per year).

It was followed by France, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the UK totaled -3.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Italy (+0.5% per year) and France (-0.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average fresh beef carcase export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, falling by -62.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 262%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then fell notably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the UK ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Sweden (+6.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Fresh Beef Carcase Imports

Imports into Ireland

In 2022, fresh beef carcase imports into Ireland was estimated at X tons, remaining stable against 2021 figures. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed slight growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 16% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2015; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

In value terms, fresh beef carcase imports stood at $X in 2022. In general, imports recorded a pronounced slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when imports increased by 18%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the UK (X tons) was the main supplier of fresh beef carcase to Ireland, with a 93% share of total imports. Moreover, fresh beef carcase imports from the UK exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the Netherlands (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the UK amounted to +1.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+28.1% per year) and Poland (-2.5% per year).

In value terms, the UK ($X) constituted the largest supplier of fresh or chilled carcases of beef and veal to Ireland, comprising 96% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($X), with a 2.7% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the UK stood at -1.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+28.5% per year) and Poland (-17.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average fresh beef carcase import price amounted to $X per ton, almost unchanged from the previous year. In general, the import price saw a perceptible descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the price for the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+0.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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