Global beef prices reached a new record high in April

In April, the FAO Meat Price Index averaged a record 129.4 points, up 1.2% from March and 6.4% higher than in April 2025.

This was reported by the FAO.

The increase in the index was driven by higher prices for all types of meat except lamb, whose quotations remained stable.

Global beef prices reached a new all-time high amid rising export quotations in Brazil due to limited slaughter cattle supplies caused by herd rebuilding. Another factor supporting prices was strong global demand, primarily from China, where import quotas established under the new three-year quota regime are being rapidly filled.

Pork prices also increased as quotations in the European Union rose amid stronger seasonal demand. However, the increase was partly offset by lower prices in Brazil, where supplies remained sufficient.

Poultry prices increased due to stronger quotations in Brazil. Robust demand from African countries more than compensated for weaker purchases by Middle Eastern countries, where shipments had to be rerouted through the Red Sea because of logistics and transportation constraints.

Lamb prices generally remained stable, as higher quotations in Australia caused by limited export supplies were offset by lower prices in New Zealand amid weaker demand from China, the main consumer of New Zealand lamb.

The FAO emphasized that most prices used to calculate the FAO Meat Price Index were unavailable at the time of calculation and publication. Therefore, the latest values of the index were based on a combination of projected and observed prices.

Tags: FAO, Meat, Beef cattle