EU beef imports may fall 17% by 2027

EU beef imports could decline by nearly 17% to around 400 thsd tons by 2027, according to USDA. The main reason is the suspension of supplies from Brazil, which other exporters are not expected to fully replace.

In 2026, imports are expected to rise to 480 thsd tons, the highest level since 2009. This is linked to stockbuilding of Brazilian beef ahead of new requirements and strong purchases in the first half of the year.

According to USDA, EU beef imports increased by 17.5% year on year in the first half of 2026, driven largely by Brazil, whose shipments rose by 56%. In 2025, Brazil supplied around 130 thsd tons of beef to the EU, accounting for 28% of total imports.

In 2027, the ability to replace Brazilian volumes will be limited by new deforestation-related requirements. USDA sees the UK, Uruguay and Argentina as the suppliers with the strongest potential to increase shipments to the EU.

Among potential suppliers, Uruguay is particularly well positioned to expand exports due to its ability to comply with the EU’s new sanitary and environmental requirements.

Tags: EU, Beef, Beef cattle, imports, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil