Over the past 50 years, there has been a sharp growth in the production of meat worldwide. According to a recent study, over 90 billion animals are slaughtered each year to meet the growing demand for juicy burgers, tender steaks, and several other dishes. Today, the meat market is expanding all over the world due to some largest meat-producing countries. Let’s take a closer look at these top 11 meat-producing countries in 2024, and explore their production levels.
List of 11 Largest Meat Producing Countries in 2024
- China
- Brazil
- United States
- Australia
- Canada
- India
- Argentina
- Germany
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Spain
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1- China
China is the undisputed heavyweight champion when it comes to meat production. In 2023, the Asian giant produced 96 million metric tons of meat, indicating a huge difference from 2022. Pork is the star of China’s meat production lineup, producing 58 million metric tons of pork last year.
The country is also a major player in the beef game, ranking third globally in beef production. In 2023, China produced 8 million metric tons of beef. China imports beef from countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay to supplement its production.
As the world’s largest producer of poultry, China’s chicken farms are a well-oiled machine, pumping out millions of tender, juicy birds every year. In 2023, China’s poultry production reached new heights and the country is expected to maintain its lead in this category in 2024.
The country also produces significant quantities of other meat varieties, including mutton, lamb, and horse. These niche markets cater to specific cultural preferences and add to China’s diverse meat market.
2- Brazil
Brazil is the second-largest meat-producing country in the world in 2024 and has consistently been one of the world’s top meat producers. Brazil produces several meat varieties. As one of the world’s largest pork producers, a significant portion of its production is exported to regions like Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
In 2023, Brazil’s meat production reached an impressive total of approximately 7.5 million metric tons, with around 2.5 million metric tons of beef, and 4.2 million metric tons of poultry. The country also produced 0.8 million metric tons of pork.
According to the stats, Brazilian pork production is expected to increase by 5% in years to come. The growth is attributed to growing external demand, access to new markets, and improved economic conditions in the country. Brazil’s favorable health status compared to its competitors, particularly in Europe, gives it an advantage in the global pork market.
While pork, beef, and chicken are the primary meat varieties produced in Brazil, the country also produces other types of meat, such as lamb and goat. However, these varieties are not as significant in terms of volume and export value as the three main meat types. As the global demand for meat continues to rise, Brazil is well-positioned to maintain its position as a major player in the industry.
3- United States
The United States is the third world’s leading meat producer in 2024. The country is also expected to continue its dominance in the meat production sector, driven by factors such as increased strong export markets and favorable production conditions.
In 2023, the United States produced about 5.8 million metric tons of meat. This included around 1.3 million metric tons of beef and 4.1 million metric tons of poultry. The United States also produced 0.4 million metric tons of pork. These figures highlight the U.S.’s strength in supplying high-quality meat to international markets.
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According to the statistics, the country’s production of all types of meat is expected to grow in 2024. The United States is also a significant producer of other meat varieties, including lamb and veal.
The alliances with nations in North America, Asia, and other regions also help the United States to grow its meat production and generate more revenue from its exports.
4- Australia
Australia is a fourth key player in meat production across the globe but it is especially known for its superior beef exports. Australia is exporting its meat to every region in the world including, American, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries.
In 2023, Australia produced around 2.2 million metric tons of meat. The bulk of this production was beef, with almost 1.5 million metric tons. The numbers reflect the strong demand for Australian beef. On the other hand, the country also produced around 0.6 million metric tons of lamb.
Australia’s beef production is expected to experience significant growth. The country’s beef production is forecast to reach 2.45 million tonnes in 2024, with further growth anticipated in 2025 and 2026.
Australia is also a significant producer of other meat varieties, including lamb and veal. The country’s lamb production is expected to experience a slight decline in 2024 due to lower prices and reduced demand, although overall meat production is expected to remain strong.
5- Canada
Canada, the fifth largest meat-producing country, is exporting meat products that cater to the demands of international markets. Canada’s meat industry includes beef, pork, chicken, lamb, mutton, goat, rabbit, horse, venison, and bison but meat production is primarily driven by its beef and pork sectors, which are major contributors to the country’s economy.
Canada produced about 1.5 million metric tons of meat in 2023. Pork was the leading product, with around 1.1 million metric tons being produced. It highlights the strong presence of Canada in the pork industry. Canada also produced 0.4 million metric tons of beef.
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Canada is also famous for its beef products after the government finalized the strict regulations on these exports. The country provides meat to various markets such as Europe and Asia. According to statistics, the Canadian cattle and beef sector contributes a massive $24 billion annually to the country’s overall economy.
6- India
India is the sixth-largest producer of meat globally. Every year, the nation produces around 1.3 million metric tons of meat. In 2024, India is expected to maintain its position as a major meat producer due to increasing demand for meat products in the global market.
India is a large producer of buffalo meat, which accounts for the majority of its meat exports. Interestingly, India’s buffalo meat production is expected to increase by over 5% by the end of 2024. India is also a significant producer of poultry meat as it broke the record of previous years in 2023.
The growth is associated with the increasing demand for carabeef, particularly among younger consumers who are more open to changing dietary preferences and are more nutrition-conscious. The country’s processed meat market is expected to grow annually by 6.05% from 2024 to 2028.
7- Argentina
Argentina is one of the largest meat-producing countries. The country has strengthened its position as a major player by producing around 0.9 million metric tons of meat every year.
Beef production is the foundation of Argentina’s meat industry. The country’s beef is renowned for its exceptional quality. In 2023, Argentina produced around 3.14 million tons of beef. Pork production in Argentina has also been on the rise, with the country producing over 1.2 million tons of pork in the previous year.
Chicken production is another area where Argentina has excelled. The rise in chicken consumption, both domestically and globally, has driven the expansion of Argentina’s poultry industry. The focus on sustainable and ethical practices has earned it a reputation.
The government’s focus on supporting the agricultural sector, combined with investments in infrastructure and technology, is expected to drive further improvements in productivity and efficiency.
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8- Germany
Germany is the eighth-largest meat producer in the world in 2024. Every year, the German pork and beef sector produces approximately 0.8 million metric tons. The German meat sector is also helping the whole European meat sector to grow.
In 2023, Germany produced around 0.7 million metric tons of pork and 0.1 million metric tons of beef. German beef is also known for its exceptional quality due to the country’s strict animal welfare standards and modern farming practices.
The beef industry in Germany is diverse, with both large-scale commercial enterprises and smaller, family-owned farms contributing to the overall production. Experts predict that Germany’s meat production will continue to grow because of the country’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
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9- Netherlands
The Netherlands is a small country in Western Europe. Despite its limited land area, the Netherlands has leveraged its advanced agricultural practices, efficient supply chains, and technological innovations to become a major meat producer.
In 2023, the Netherlands produced approximately 0.7 million metric tons of meat in total. Pork production remains the backbone of the Dutch meat industry, with the country producing around 0.6 million metric tons of pork in the previous year.
The Netherlands is known for its high-quality pork, which is exported to markets around the world, including Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
The Netherlands also specializes in the production of poultry, with almost 0.2 million metric tons of chicken meat produced there in 2023. The Dutch poultry industry is highly efficient and technologically advanced, with many farms using automated systems for feeding and watering.
10- New Zealand
New Zealand, a small island nation in the South Pacific, is also famous for its meat production. In 2023, the country produced around 0.6 million metric tons of meat.
Grass-fed and lamb are the pillars of New Zealand’s meat industry, with the country producing millions of metric tons of beef and lamb every year. This huge production is linked to the country’s vast grasslands and temperate climate, which are well-suited for raising high-quality cattle. New Zealand’s beef is renowned for its tenderness and flavor.
Several things contribute to New Zealand’s success in the meat production sector, such as its dedication to natural agricultural methods, its funding of research and development, and its priority on food safety and quality.
The country’s meat industry has also benefited from strong export demand, with markets in Asia, Europe, and North America eagerly seeking New Zealand’s high-quality meat products.
11- Spain
Spain’s meat industry is diverse and dominated by the production of pork, beef, and other meat varieties. In 2023, Spain produced 0.5 million metric tons of meat, a slight increase from the previous year.
Every year, Spain produces millions of tons of pork and beef meat. Spain’s meat sector has also undergone modernization in recent years, with investments in automated processing and strict quality control measures to ensure food safety.
The Spanish government has been actively supporting the meat industry, implementing policies and initiatives to promote sustainable practices and animal welfare.
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Conclusion
In 2024, the global meat production landscape is dominated by a group of countries, each contributing to the world’s supply. These nations are vital in meeting the growing demand for meat. Their efficient production capabilities not only support their populations but also serve as crucial sources of meat for international markets. The network of meat producers plays an important role in ensuring food security and maintaining the balance of supply and demand across the globe.
FAQs
1- Which Country is the Largest Meat Producer?
China is the undisputed heavyweight champion when it comes to meat production. In 2023, the Asian giant produced 96 million metric tons of meat.
2- What is China’s Most Eaten Meat?
Pork is the star of China’s meat production lineup, producing 58 million metric tons of pork last year.
3- Which 3 Countries are the Biggest Beef Producers?
The United States, Brazil, and China are the three biggest beef producers in the world.
4- Why Do the Chinese Love Pork?
Pigs were perhaps the very first animals utilized for food in ancient China around 6000 BC.