Southern Asia: Beef Market 2025

Beef Market Size in Southern Asia

In 2021, the South Asian beef market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 9.6%. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Beef Production in Southern Asia

In value terms, beef production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

India (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of beef production, comprising approx. 67% of total volume. Moreover, beef production in India exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Pakistan (X tons), twofold. Bangladesh (X tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 2.3% share.

In India, beef production expanded at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Pakistan (+4.6% per year) and Bangladesh (+0.5% per year).

In 2021, the average beef yield in Southern Asia contracted to X kg per head, approximately reflecting 2020 figures. Overall, the yield recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the yield increased by 2.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the beef yield hit record highs at X kg per head in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the yield failed to regain momentum.

In 2021, approx. X heads of animals slaughtered for beef production in Southern Asia; increasing by 7.3% on 2020. This number increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the number of producing animals increased by 8.2%. The level of producing animals peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Beef Exports

Exports in Southern Asia

In 2021, approx. X tons of beef (cattle meat) were exported in Southern Asia; increasing by 8.5% compared with 2020 figures. In general, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 33%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, beef exports rose sharply to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 47% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

India dominates exports structure, amounting to X tons, which was near 94% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Pakistan (X tons), mixing up a 6% share of total exports.

India experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of beef (cattle meat). At the same time, Pakistan (+7.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Pakistan emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Southern Asia, with a CAGR of +7.3% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Pakistan increased by +2.7 percentage points.

In value terms, India ($X) remains the largest beef supplier in Southern Asia, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Pakistan ($X), with an 8.3% share of total exports.

In India, beef exports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Southern Asia amounted to $X per ton, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 11%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Pakistan ($X per ton), while India totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Pakistan (+4.2%).

Beef Imports

Imports in Southern Asia

In 2021, approx. X tons of beef (cattle meat) were imported in Southern Asia; growing by 12% compared with 2020 figures. Total imports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -2.6% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 32% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, beef imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Bangladesh (X tons), Bhutan (X tons) and Maldives (X tons) represented roughly 83% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Afghanistan (X tons), comprising a 10% share of total imports. The following importers - Pakistan (X tons), India (X tons) and Nepal (X tons) - each reached a 6.7% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Bangladesh (with a CAGR of +59.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Bhutan ($X), Maldives ($X) and Bangladesh ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 88% share of total imports.

Among the main importing countries, Bangladesh, with a CAGR of +59.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to 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

The import price in Southern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 12% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.3%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 an increase of 13%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Maldives ($X per ton), while Nepal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Bhutan (+14.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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