Global Beef Prices Reached Record Levels in May 2025

As of May, the average meat price index according to FAO methodology rose to 124.6 points, which is 1.3% higher than the revised data for April and 6.8% more than in May of last year.

This is reported by AgroReview

Increase in Prices of Beef, Lamb, and Pork

FAO experts note that the rise in the meat price index was a result of increasing international quotations for beef, lamb, and pork. This increase fully offset the decline in poultry meat prices. The main reason for the rise in lamb prices was the increase in quotations in Oceania, which is linked to strong global demand, particularly from China, the Middle East, and Europe.

Global pork prices also increased due to a revival in import demand and a significant rise in export prices in Germany after the country regained its status free from foot-and-mouth disease. At the same time, beef prices reached a new historical high, attributed to stable global demand and limited export supply from major producing countries.

Trends in Poultry Meat Prices and FAO Calculation Features

In contrast to the trend for other types of meat, poultry meat prices decreased. This occurred due to falling quotations in Brazil: in May, a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was recorded at one of the poultry farms in the country, leading to import bans from several major importers. As a result of these restrictions, excess stocks of products formed in the market.

“FAO emphasizes that most prices used to calculate the FAO meat price index were unknown at the time of calculation and publication. Therefore, the value of the FAO meat price index in recent months has been derived from a combination of forecasted and actual prices.”