Increase in pork, sheep, goat, and poultry; decline in beef

Romania's meat production in October 2025 exhibited varied trends across different types of meat, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS). While there was growth in pork, sheep, goat, and poultry production, beef production experienced a decline.

Pork and Poultry Production

In October 2025, Romania saw a notable increase in pork production, with 333,000 pigs slaughtered, marking a 7.07% rise from the previous month. However, compared to October 2024, this represented a slight decrease of 2.92% in slaughter numbers. The total pork production reached 30,231 tonnes, an 11.28% increase from September 2025, though slightly down by 1.33% from the same month last year. Poultry production also rose, with 56,453 tonnes produced, reflecting a 7.24% increase from the previous month and a significant 12.96% rise from October 2024.

Sheep and Goat Production

The production of sheep and goat meat also saw an upward trend. In October 2025, 316,000 sheep and goats were slaughtered, up from 299,000 in September. This was a slight increase compared to October 2024, which recorded 322,000 slaughters. The carcass weight for sheep and goats increased, resulting in a total production of 4,578 tonnes, up by 5.24% from September and 4.93% compared to the previous year.

Beef Production

Conversely, beef production faced a downturn. The total production for October 2025 was 6,540 tonnes, a decrease of 10.64% from September's 7,319 tonnes. Compared to October 2024, there was a 6% decline. The number of cattle slaughtered also dropped to 40,000, a 9.09% decrease from the previous month and a 6.98% reduction from October 2024.

Market Implications

These shifts in production could have several implications for the Romanian meat market. The increase in pork and poultry production might lead to more competitive pricing and increased availability for export. However, the decline in beef production could result in tighter supply and potentially higher prices domestically. As Romania navigates these changes, stakeholders in the meat industry will need to adjust their strategies accordingly.

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