Jul 31, 2025
Netherlands emerges as the leading supplier of beef to Germany
Germany has significantly increased its beef imports due to a domestic shortage, with the Netherlands taking the lead as the primary supplier. During the first five months of 2025, Germany imported 44,985 tonnes of beef from the Netherlands, marking a nearly 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Rising Demand and Key Suppliers
The overall beef imports to Germany rose by 7.2% to almost 166,000 tonnes. The Netherlands accounted for more than a quarter of these imports, establishing itself as the largest supplier. Poland followed as the second-largest supplier, with a notable 24% increase in exports to Germany, amounting to 29,554 tonnes. Other countries such as Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, and Spain also saw increased exports to Germany, with Spain showing a remarkable 28% growth, albeit from a smaller base.
Decreased Imports from Some EU Countries
While many countries increased their beef exports to Germany, imports from Austria and Denmark decreased. Austrian exports fell by 17% to 16,566 tonnes, and Danish exports decreased by 20% to 7,200 tonnes. Despite these declines, the majority of Germany's beef imports, 87.3%, still come from EU member states.
Impact on Prices and Market Outlook
The reduction in Germany's domestic cattle herd has led to a decrease in local beef production, thereby increasing the demand for imported beef. From January to April 2025, Germany slaughtered nearly 957,000 cattle, a 6.7% decrease from the previous year. This shortage has driven prices to unprecedented levels, with the average price for an O3 slaughter cow reaching €6.50 per kilogram of carcass weight in mid-July, the highest on record. As the domestic market is expected to remain tight, Germany is likely to continue increasing its beef imports in the coming months.