ANALYSIS: EU Retail Egg Prices Level Off, but Remain Elevated

Retail egg prices across the EU appear to be levelling off, though they remain at elevated levels. According to Eurostat data, the price of graded shell eggs rose by 18.33% from €2.40/kg in week 1 to a peak of €2.84/kg in week 13.

Egg consumption typically rises during the cooler months when home cooking becomes more prevalent. Beyond seasonal factors, structural shifts in consumer behaviour have also contributed to the sustained demand. As other protein sources such as beef reach record-high prices—largely due...

ANALYSIS: US Red Meat Cold Storage Stocks Decline on Coasts MoM

According to the latest USDA cold storage report, boneless beef stocks declined in March compared to February, with the Middle Atlantic region down 6% and the Pacific region down 5%. Both areas serve as key entry points for imported beef, with cold storage typically the first stop after arrival at a port.

Despite the implementation of new tariffs, imported frozen beef remains competitively priced relative to domestic fresh product. This price advantage has influenced cold storage dynamics, as buyers draw down inventories for immediate...

ANALYSIS: Japan’s Q1 2025 Beef Imports Slump 17.5% to 92,915 mt

Japan’s total beef imports in Q1 2025 fell 17.5% year on year (YoY) to 92,915 metric tons (mt), a decline of 19,729 mt, according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.

The sharpest drops were recorded from key suppliers including Australia and the United States (US), along with smaller reductions from Canada, New Zealand, and Mexico.

Imports from the US totaled 34,636 mt, down 14.9% YoY, or 6,048 mt on the back of its low cattle herd. Despite its production boom, shipments from Australia also fell...

ANALYSIS: Japan’s Beef Intake Plunges to 23-Year Low as Household Budgets Tighten

Japan's beef consumption dropped to a 23-year low in February 2025, with per capita intake falling to just 134 grams, according to data from the Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation (ALIC).

This marks the lowest level since November 2001, driven by inflationary pressures and a continued squeeze in household budgets. The weak yen has exacerbated the situation, pushing up the cost of imports, including food and energy, and fueling broader inflation.

Industry sources have long commented that budget-conscious consumers are turning to...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Turn Up the Heat 

Grocers are turning up the heat in this week’s circulars, leaning into classic summer grilling staples—ribs, burgers, and barbecue fixings—signaling early excitement for the season even with Memorial Day still a few weeks away.

Seafood tops this week’s retail protein promotions, claiming roughly 28% of total ad space. Beef follows with 24.7%, trailed by pork at 23.1% and chicken at 20.2%. Turkey ads were slashed by half compared to last week, now accounting for just 3% of circular space.

Retailers are also highlighting festive favorites ahead of Cinco de Mayo. Ground beef in the 78–84% lean range averaged $4.89 per...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Dynamics Hint at Transition, but Market Remains Soft

The cage-free egg market continues to experience modest downward pressure this week, although a shift in negotiated values is beginning to take shape.

Since late February, cage-free quotations have been on the decline, falling by more than 50% from a record high of $9.86/dozen to $4.92/dozen as of Thursday. This decline has been predominantly driven by a significant reduction in consumer demand, influenced by price sensitivity among shoppers.

At the market’s peak, Circana scanner data reported the average...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Q1 2025 Beef Exports Rises 1.3% YoY to 134,240 mt

New Zealand’s beef exports in the first quarter of 2025 rose 1.3% year-on-year (YoY) to 134,240 metric tons, according to the latest data from Stats NZ.

Stronger volumes to key markets including the United States, Canada, Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom supported the quarterly gain. Exports to China and Japan pulled back, but total shipments still edged up by 1,781 mt.

In the first quarter of 2025, the US cemented its position as New Zealand’s top beef market, taking...

ANALYSIS: 2025 YTD Turkey Poult Placements Down 4.0%: Hen Supply Hit Hardest

Year-to-date (YTD) poult placements in 2025 hover an average of 4.0% below the 5-year average. This is a continuation of the ongoing trend of below-average supplies. While HPAI cases are less frequent and the new avian metapneumovirus vaccines are starting to be implemented, the losses sustained by the industry leave a lasting impact that is not quickly overcome. For these reasons, hatcheries only have so many eggs they can set, and growers are also restricted on the number of birds...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Production Trails 2024 Amid Herd Contraction, Disease, and Export Uncertainty

Year-to-date (YTD) total pork production volumes for 2025 are trending 0.4% below 2024, as a shrinking breeding herd and disease outbreaks have contributed to reduced output. The USDA’s latest Hogs and Pigs report revealed a five-year low in both breeding inventory (5.98 million head) and farrowing sows (2.9 million head), directly impacting the number of pigs available for slaughter.

While the market hog inventory stands at 68.5 million head—down just 0.3% year-over-year—this is largely offset by...

ANALYSIS: Broiler Production Outlook Brings Expectation of Gains

As we approach the tail end of April, protein market participants are weighing a number of variables as they attempt to hone their expectations for the road which lies ahead. For stakeholders in the chicken sector, concerns around disease, low hatchability, and live weights remain front and center.

Despite persistent uncertainty, the second-quarter broiler production expectations are projected to post the largest year-over-year (YoY) increase among all of the major protein categories. According to the Livestock, Dairy, & Poultry Outlook, the latest Q2 forecast stands...

The Retail Rundown: Post-Easter Pause Sets Stage for Protein Push

With Easter now in the rearview, retailers will largely tread water, positioning themselves for a seasonal surge in demand ahead of the start of summer.

Grilling demand is beginning to build toward a Memorial Day crescendo, prompting grocers to build inventory and plan aggressive promotions to jumpstart the season. 

But first up is Cinco de Mayo. While it's a smaller holiday, it can still drive foot traffic. Proteins like pork, steak, and chicken are expected to see solid movement as shoppers make tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other festive fare...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Product Market Enters Spring with Mixed Signals

As the market returns from the Easter break, a cautious sentiment continues to shape the industrial egg sector. Demand remained subdued in the lead-up to the holidays, with buyers showing strong resistance to elevated asking prices and instead pushing for more favourable terms. Consequently, shell egg prices continued
their downward trend in the week heading into Easter...

ANALYSIS: China’s Q1 2025 Beef Imports Falls 11.6% YoY to 681,607 mt

China's total beef imports for the first quarter of the 2025 calendar year plunged to 681,607 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Inbound shipments fell by 11.6% year-on-year (YoY), the 89,662 mt decline was led by reduced volumes from Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and New Zealand. However, strong volumes from the United States (US) and Australia helped cushion the overall decline.

Supply from South America Slides

Volumes from China’s...

ANALYSIS: Turkey HPAI Update - Week of 4/6/25

Outbreak Summary

On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, approximately 1.67 million turkeys have been lost to HPAI in 2025. This is up 499% year-over-year (YoY) and is down 56% from 2022 when the outbreak began. Of the turkeys impacted this year, 3% have been commercial breeder hens, 1% have been commercial breeder replacement hens, and 96% have been commercial meat birds. There have been 11 unique states impacted which is the largest YTD value since the start of the outbreak, up 83% YoY and up...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Facing Pressure Despite Easter 

Wholesale cage-free egg prices continue to decline, with a 34ct drop recorded over the past seven days. This ongoing slide comes during Easter—typically a key seasonal driver for the category—but this year, elevated pricing and minimal promotional activity have significantly dampened consumer interest.

Demand has softened over the past seven weeks, as shelf prices often hovering at or above $5.00/dozen have prompted more cautious shopping behavior. In response, most retailers have scaled back orders to match slower movement, resulting in a buildup of inventory in...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Hatchery Trends Signal Supply-Side Expansion Amid Market Volatility

Although prevailing Q2 marketing conditions remain broadly bullish across much of the chicken complex, the environment is far from sedate as market participants navigate a constantly evolving set of challenges. Widespread disease concerns, shifts in average live weights, and ongoing global trade tensions continue to cloud visibility for speculative buyers and sellers alike. Amid this uncertainty, industry stakeholders are focusing on one of the more predictable components of the supply chain: Hatchery performance.

The most recent weekly hatchery figures reflect a familiar year-over-year... 

ANALYSIS: Korea’s Q1 2025 Beef Imports Grow 2.7% Y-o-Y to 142,015 mt

Korea’s beef imports in the first quarter of 2025 totaled 142,015 metric tons (mt), rising a modest 2.7% year-on-year (YoY), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service.

The 3,792 mt increase was driven by higher in-bound shipments from Australia and Canada, while volumes from the United States (US) and New Zealand declined. Australian exports climbed early in 2025 as importers front-loaded in-quota volumes on the back of of an early trigger of the 2024 safeguard threshold...

ANALYSIS: Trade Tensions Reshape Pork Feet Market Dynamics

The current tariff structure between the US and China continues to weigh heavily on US pork exports—particularly variety meats like front and hind feet, which have traditionally found supportive demand from China due to active interest and limited US domestic buying. However, retaliatory measures have made access more restrictive. As of April 2025, China maintains retaliatory tariffs on US pork totaling around 84%, following US tariff increases on Chinese goods to 145%. These duties sharply reduce US pork’s competitiveness in the Chinese market...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Exports Face Global Headwinds According to Latest USDA Report 

Total US pork exports in February were down 2% from January and 4.8% year-over-year (YoY), totaling 565.2 million pounds. While strong demand in Mexico and Central America persisted, this was countered by weaker volumes to Japan and South Korea. Exports to China, while 17.4% higher than February 2024, were down 10.9% from January 2025.  This decline is partly attributed to seasonal factors, ongoing political challenges, and uncertainty surrounding plant eligibility for export, which hadn't been resolved until mid-March...

ANALYSIS: Mexico Feeder Cattle Exports Show Recovery by March 2025

Mexico’s feeder cattle exports to the United States faced a significant disruption after the New World screwworm was detected in November 2024, prompting a trade suspension. Exports resumed in February 2025 through limited ports under strict inspection protocols, starting with San Jeronimo, Chihuahua, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, via the Santa Teresa and Douglas ports of entry. By March 2025, Nogales became the fourth operational port, while other ports are still awaiting authorization to install inspection pens. 

As of March 31, 2025, exports reached 75,157 head...

ANALYSIS: US 2025 Ribeye Prices Surge Into Easter

As Easter weekend approaches, boneless ribeye’s remain a central focus in the boxed beef market. Strong seasonal interest has pushed prices significantly higher, from late February lows of $9.41/lb to $13.10/lb in early April, roughly a 39% increase.

Ribeye’s are traditionally featured as a holiday centerpiece by both retail and foodservice sectors, fueling a surge in buying activity leading up to Easter. This seasonal demand, combined with tightening supplies, has been a key driver behind the recent price rally...

ANALYSIS: February Turkey Exports Reveal Shifts in Key Markets

In a continuation of the trend established in August 2024, total export volumes for the U.S. were down year-over-year (YoY) in February. However, not all individual countries followed this trajectory, as two of the top five, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, actually imported greater amounts than they had last year. Meanwhile, the exports to Mexico, Guatemala, and Canada were down in keeping with the total values.

While month-over-month (MoM) values also declined, the decrease from January to February was less...

The Retail Rundown: Protein Adds to Holiday Price Gains

Easter week has arrived and grocers are tapping into the holiday's spending momentum. But for consumers, Easter dinner is shaping up to be pricier than last year, with many holiday staples seeing year-over-year price increases.

According to Expana’s latest US Easter Index—which tracks price changes in key holiday-related commodities—overall prices rose 11.8% year-over-year, driven largely by higher costs in the protein and bakery categories.

Expana’s Easter Protein Index, which covers lamb, beef, pork, salmon, cod, and eggs...

ANALYSIS: Tariff Escalation Between US and China Fuels Ripple Effects in Brazil–China Beef Trade

The latest round of tariff sanctions has intensified uncertainties in the global beef market. The most recent update saw China announcing an equivalent 125% tariff on US goods in response to the latest tariff increase on Chinese imports, clarified by the White House to be a total of 145%. In the same announcement, President Trump set a 10% baseline tariff for a 90-day period to all countries not engaging in equivalent tariff actions.

While it remains unclear whether beef is...

ANALYSIS: China’s Q1 2025 Meat Imports Slip 2.0% to 1.64M mt on Soft Demand, Trade Rift

China imported a total of 1.64 million metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats, in the first quarter of 2025, down 2.0% year-on-year (y-o-y), according to preliminary figures from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). The decline reflected deepening trade friction with the United States (US) and ongoing economic headwinds that continue to weigh on import demand.

Industry players also pointed to softer-than-expected consumer demand after the Lunar New Year festivities and increased.

ANALYSIS: High Prices, Low Demand Deter Easter Momentum as Cage-Free Market Cools

The cage-free market continues to show signs of softening this week, pressured by still uncertain retail demand ahead of Easter. Pricing at the shelf remains comparable to conventional eggs, hovering near $5.00/dozen—or higher in other regions—which is dampening consumer willingness to stock up. Across much of the country, including states with cage-free housing mandates, average shelf prices have nearly doubled compared to this time last year.

Although suppliers remain unsure of the...

ANALYSIS: HPAI and Tariff Concerns Likely Impact U.S. Broiler Export Patterns

Total U.S. broiler exports were up both year-over-year (YoY) and month-over-month (MoM) in February, despite a 5-year average MoM decrease. Three of the top five export destinations purchased more MoM compared to the average or they didn't decrease their purchasing as much as on average. These countries were Cuba, Taiwan, and the Philippines. There are a couple of different factors that may have been major influences in this shift: The fears about HPAI cases, and the uncertainty...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Market Prices Surge as Slaughter Numbers Decline

Monthly turkey slaughter values continue to be reported at record lows with February's headcount retreating 18.8% year-over-year (YoY). This puts year-to-date (YTD) values down 12.4% YoY. Meanwhile, according to data reported from the National Chicken Council, per capita consumption of turkey throughout 2025 is only forecasted to decline 4.5% YoY. With demand outpacing production, prices for much of the turkey complex have been climbing.

Over a quarter of Expana's current turkey quotations are at all-time high values and more than...

The Retail Rundown: Easter Momentum Builds

In the final full week of Lent, seafood accounts for 35% of all protein retail promotions, gaining ground on pork, which holds 23% of ad space. Beef promotions slipped to 20%, while chicken has 15%. Lamb and veal promotions, though still minimal, doubled from the previous week, rising to 2% ahead of Easter.

Notably, Easter falls late this year—on April 20—affecting year-over-year (YOY) comparisons. Ham promotions last week were offered at premium price points compared to 2024. Discounted boneless smoked hams averaged...

ANALYSIS: Average US Retail Q1 Ground Chuck Price up Y-o-Y; Deeper Discounts Noted

According to the latest data from Circana, the average retail price of ground chuck in the United States for the first quarter of 2025 was $6.17 per pound, a slight increase from $6.09 per pound in Q1 2024. Last year's Q1 price was the second highest of the year, surpassed only by Q2.

However, the average discounted price (the price on sale) for ground chuck in Q1 2025 dropped to $4.81 per pound...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Q1 2025 Beef Exports Grow 12.7% Y-o-Y to 310,974 mt

Australia’s beef exports rose 12.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) in the first quarter of 2025 to 310,974 metric tons (mt), according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF).

Australia’s beef exports rose by 35,983 mt in Q1 2025, continuing a strong upward trajectory. The growth was underpinned by tightening domestic supply in the United States (US), which created space for Australia’s production to gain ground.

The Oceanic exporter also made inroads in key export markets such...

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Fresh Beef Exports Surged 13.1% M-o-M in March

Brazilian fresh beef exports (chilled or frozen) grew significantly in March, reaching 215,422 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services. This is 13.1% higher than February, and accounts for a notable 29.6% Y-o-Y increase.  

China remains the top destination for Brazilian beef, contributing with 95,962 mt of the total volume. This represents a modest 3.7% monthly growth and is 18.2% higher compared to the same period last year...

ANALYSIS:Tariff Concerns Plagued Bone-in Ham Values Throughout the Month of March

Bone-in hams faced ongoing obstacles during the month of March due to the persistent uncertainty surrounding the implementation of tariffs proposed by the Trump administration.  This uncertainty stemmed from the potential of retaliatory tariffs imposed by Mexico in response to the proposed tariffs from the United States.

While values for bone-in hams saw an increase of 11.7% during the first two weeks of the month, following an extension of the initially proposed March 4 deadline to April 2, the underlying threat of tariffs remained...

ANALYSIS: Global Beef Exporters Weigh Impact as US Tariff Kicks in on Apr 5

On the second day of April 2025, President Donald Trump has declared tariffs on the United States (US) trading partners worldwide.  

Our global red meat beef team brings you the latest updates from all key exporting countries and the effects on the imported beef market in this analysis piece.  In this article, we weigh the impact of the new 10% baseline tariff on US imports, set to take effect from April 5.  

Tariffs imposed on the imported lean beef segment can impact...

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Egg Prices Under Pressure Amid Weak Retail Demand

After a brief period of stability, the cage-free shell egg market is once again facing downward pressure amid sluggish retail demand. Prices, which had held steady for more than a week, have slipped by 6cts over the past two days as orders remain tepid despite widespread adjustments to shelf prices—often by as much as a dollar.

While the USDA’s Weekly Retail Egg Feature Report shows a 2.6% uptick in promotional activity, no cage-free cartons have been featured, limiting...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Market Faces Uncertainty with Record-Low Inventories

February's cold storage report shows a year-over-year (YoY) decrease for every turkey category. This is largely a result of extremely low production caused by ongoing disease issues. The least dramatic YoY decrease was noted for whole birds with a decline of 5.6%, while the most significant was for MST at a value 26.1% lower. While the overall YoY decrease is indicative of supply constraints, the differences in the losses among these categories tells the story of demand.

Demand for frozen whole turkeys was relatively lackluster throughout Fall '24...

ANALYSIS: Headwinds and Tailwinds in Chicken Cold Storage

Given the seasonally robust performance of the chicken market recently, industry participants are closely analyzing the latest data to guide their expectations for Q2. The most recent Cold Storage Report offers some insight into the current market conditions while also raising a few additional questions.

As of February, public warehouse stocks reached 793.3 million pounds, marking a departure from an 18-month year-over-year (YoY) decline that has persisted since August 2023. Compared to February 2024, stocks increased by 0.8%. However, a net outflow of production from...

ANALYSIS: US 2025 Tenderloin Prices Climb Ahead of Grilling Season

With grilling season on the horizon, it’s a perfect opportunity to revisit the beef tenderloin, a cut that has faced headwinds for much of the year.

Choice tenderloin monthly price levels have averaged about 10% lower year-over-year when compared with the equivalent month in 2024, reflecting the cost-conscious environment the beef industry has navigated thus far in 2025. Prices hit a seasonal low in February at $12.30/lb, and have since increased nearly 10%, a stronger rebound compared to last year’s modest...

The Retail Rundown: Spring Sizzle Fuels Protein Demand

Spring promotions are in full bloom at retail, with holiday-themed ads ramping up. Circulars showcase produce and snacking items alongside grilling staples, aiming to entice shoppers with vibrant displays and seasonal appeal. Beyond holiday preparations, schools and universities are approaching spring break season, likely driving an uptick in foodservice in the coming weeks. 

In some regions, grocers are leveraging hams as loss leaders ahead of Easter. Last week, discounted bone-in ham averaged $2.56 per pound, while spiral-sliced varieties stood at $2.61 per pound—steady to lower than last year’s levels...

ANALYSIS: Lowest February Pork Cold Storage on Record

In February 2025, total pork stocks in cold storage reached 423.1 million pounds, rising 15.9 million pounds (3.9%) from January but still down 35.5 million pounds (-7.75%) from February 2024, marking the lowest February figure with data going back to 1999. This reflects a moderate seasonal rebuild yet continued tightness compared to historical levels.

Total hams increased 4.2 million pounds (5.3%) from January and 13.1 million pounds (18.63%) from last year. Belly stocks rose 6.9 million pounds (16.5%) month-over-month but remain 15.2 million pounds (-23.8%) below...

ANALYSIS: The Perfect Storm Drives Jumbo Boneless Chicken Breast Prices

Current chicken boneless breast meat prices are well above the 5-year average and are quickly approaching record highs. With year-to-date (YTD) ready-to-cook production at an all-time high, it raises the question: what is driving prices upward? As discussed in several market conversations, there is a perfect storm of factors pushing prices higher—even amid record production.

The first component to consider when analyzing the upward-trending market is current demand. Per capita consumption forecasts from the USDA estimate... 

ANALYSIS: EU Shell Egg Market Stabilises Following Six-Week Price Rally

The European Union's shell egg market has experienced a notable shift last week, marking the end of a six-week price rally. After a sustained period of price increases, the market has now reached a point of stabilisation, driven by a combination of slowing demand and improving supply conditions. Despite this stabilisation, prices remain historically high, with record-high values observed across all housing types.

In the retail sector, buyers are adopting a cautious approach due to the elevated prices. Many retailers...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Decline Grinds to a Halt

Cage-free egg market movement has stalled following a 41% drop to $5.78/dozen in March. Now that supply volumes are more closely aligned with renewed consumer demand, most activity is occurring near supportive levels – a dramatic change in pace given the market's recent volatility.

Retail demand has started to pick up this week, driven in part by modest declines in shelf prices. Most notably, upcoming April features have led some retailers to pull well above average volumes from suppliers, reducing the amount of product available on the open market...

ANALYSIS: UK’s Ongoing Measures Against Bluetongue

The UK government has been actively working to restrain the spread of Bluetongue among its herds, taking measures through restriction zones, pre-movement virus tests and licensing requirements. The latest effort is a vaccination cost calculator tool created by the AHDB on March 18, as part of the Battle Bluetongue vaccination campaign that launched in February 2025. The online tool aims to help farmers and vets make informed decisions about vaccinations by calculating the risk costs of Bluetongue against the monetary benefits of vaccinating...

ANALYSIS: US Egg Market Grapples with Volatility Amid Historic Supply Lows and Demand Swings

The US egg market continues to contend with significant volatility, shaped by historically low production levels and sharp demand fluctuations. The USDA reported on Friday that the national layer flock stands at 285 million head, marking the lowest count for the month of March since 2009. Over the past decade, the average March flock size has been 321 million, highlighting the severity of the current underproduction.

This supply-side constraint is largely due to the ongoing impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Poult Supply Shrinks in 2025

In what has been a continuation of the established trajectory, turkey poult placements in 2025 are trending notably below the 5-year average for both hen and tom poults, as depicted in the chart. This decline reflects ongoing challenges within the industry, primarily driven by persistent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and the growing presence of Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV). HPAI continues to significantly disrupt operations through forced depopulations, movement restrictions, and prolonged farm downtimes, all of which have reduced the availability of breeder stock and subsequently limited poult supply...

ANALYSIS: Argentina Beef Exports Up 7.5% MoM in February, Down 27.5% YoY

Following record volumes in 2024, Argentina’s beef exports declined notably in early 2025. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census, shipments in February totaled 50,080 metric tons (mt), up 7.2% from January but still 27.5% lower Y-o-Y. The monthly recovery was supported by stronger exports to secondary markets in Europe, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, as well as to the US and Brazil. Although volumes to China also posted a modest increase, they remained considerably below 2024 levels, continuing...

The Retail Rundown: 20th Power of Meat Report Reveals Record-Breaking Meat Sales

The 2025 Power of Meat Study was unveiled this week at the Annual Meat Conference in Orlando, Florida, where Anne-Marie Roerink, Principal at 210 Analytics, shared key insights into shoppers' evolving meat and poultry purchasing habits. Here are some key takeaways from the study's 20th edition: 

Meat sales reach new heights 

This year’s report, released by the Meat Institute and The Food Industry Association (FMI), revealed that the meat department set a new sales record in 2024, reaching $105 billion in total...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Feb 2025 Beef Exports Jump 18.2% M-o-M to 46,162 mt

New Zealand’s February 2025 beef exports rose 18.2% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 46,162 metric tons (mt), the latest Stats NZ data showed

Rising by 7,094 mt, higher volumes to key markets such as the United States (US), Japan and Korea boosted growth while outbound tonnage to its second largest destination, China fell due to the observance of the Lunar New Year...

ANALYSIS: Mexico’s Feeder Cattle Exports Post-Suspension in 2025

Mexico’s feeder cattle exports to the United States in February 2025, after trade resumed, totaled 23,816 head, a sharp decline compared to February 2024’s 110,511 head and February 2023’s 98,906 head, according to recent data..

By mid-March 2025, exports reached 15,023 head, significantly lower than the full-month totals of 135,687 head in March 2024 and 137,001 head in March 2023. With exports still being recorded for the second half of March 2025, volumes may increase, but they are unlikely to approach the levels seen in the previous...

ANALYSIS: US Beef and Veal Exports Hit 52-Week Low in Jan 2025 

According to the latest UDSA monthly beef and veal exports summary, US beef exports hit a 52-week low in January sending 104,414 metric tons (mt) of material overseas, which is down 13,000 mt month-over-month from December of 2024 (-11.1%).

The US exported 1.08M mt of beef in 2024, with the majority heading to Korea, Japan and China. As large consumers of beef cuts and boneless beef, much of what the...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Slows Descent, First Signs of Consumer Relief Underway

Expana’s cage-free large quotation has continued to decline this week, albeit at a slower pace to last, dropping to $5.83/dozen Thursday. This marks a 41% decrease since the market peaked at $9.86/dozen in late February.

Weak retail demand remains the primary force behind declining wholesale values, as inflation-weary consumers continue to push back against high shelf prices. In response, grocers have scaled back their orders to better align with sluggish sales, leaving suppliers scrambling to offload surplus inventory. As recently as... 

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Slows Decent, First Signs of Consumer Relief Underway

Expana’s cage-free large quotation has continued to decline this week, albeit at a slower pace to last, dropping to $5.83/dozen Thursday. This marks a 41% decrease since the market peaked at $9.86/dozen in late February.

Weak retail demand remains the primary force behind declining wholesale values, as inflation-weary consumers continue to push back against high shelf prices. In response, grocers have scaled back their orders to better align with sluggish sales, leaving suppliers scrambling to offload surplus inventory. As recently as... 

ANALYSIS: Broiler Weight Class Shifts and Market Dynamics

Throughout most of 2024, and all of 2025 up to the latest data for the week of March 8th, average live weights set new record weights week by week. However,  data from the week of March 8 shows the average live weight dropping 2.43% from the previous week to match 2024’s data at 6.43 pounds. We’re also seeing a shift in the cumulative broiler headcount by weight class, with a 7.48% year-over-year (YoY) decrease for the 4.25 lbs. and down birds, and 10.50% YoY increase for the...

ANALYSIS: Easter Lamb Demand Meets Import Challenges

With Easter falling later this year on April 20th, about five weeks away, demand for lamb leg cuts in the US is typically supported. However, imported supply from Australia and New Zealand remains tighter due to several factors.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Australian lamb exports have increased 6% year-over-year, but much of this product is being shipped to China and the United Arab Emirates, reducing availability for the US. Multiple US market contributors that buy imported material have noted limited offers from Australia...

ANALYSIS: China’s Jan-Feb 2025 Beef Imports Drop 11.3% Y-o-Y to 468,465 mt

China's total beef imports for the first two months of the 2025 calendar year slumped to 468,465 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Dropping by 11.3%, the 59,684 mt was led by lower shipments from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, New Zealand, whilst higher volumes from the United States (US) and Australia capped further losses.

Volumes in January 2025 was recorded at 276,540 mt as importers often frontload shipments early...

ANALYSIS: HPAI Crisis Escalates, Record Losses and Uncertainty in the Turkey Market

On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, with over 1.6 million turkeys lost, HPAI losses have increased 664% year-over-year and 236% from 2022, which previously held the highest YTD losses. Furthermore, 67,400 breeder and breeder replacement hens have been lost to HPAI this year, whereas there were no losses in 2023 and 2024 YTD. In 2022, 37,800 breeder replacement hens were affected.

Additionally, not only have more birds been lost, but more counties have also been affected. So far this year, HPAI has been...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Exports Decrease in Some Key Markets

Coming off a record-breaking year for US pork exports in 2024, total US export volume for January 2025 saw a slight decrease year-over-year (YoY) in volume of 1.9% to 576,821 K-Lbs. While shipments to Mexico and Central American destinations were higher YoY, January totals for those two regions were lower than that of December 2024 by a margin of 3.5% and 37.1% respectively.

Interestingly, declines were noted for key markets such as Japan (-9.2% MoM and -22.7% YoY) South Korea (-10.3% MoM and...

ANALYSIS: Korea’s Feb 2025 Beef Imports Sink 36.7% MoM to 39,464 mt

Korea’s beef imports in February 2025 totaled 39,464 metric tons (mt), slumping 36.7% month-on-month (MoM), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service.

Despite the 22,889 mt drop, this trend aligns with historical trends, as imports typically eased after front-loading in-quota shipments with lower tariffs back in January. The Korean New Year, that ran from late January to early February, also shortened the working month, slowing down the pace of imports.

Annually, imports rose 24.7% YoY (7,828 mt), though industry sources suggested this... 

The Retail Rundown: Fresh Buying Opportunities in Bloom

Tomorrow marks the official start of spring, and retailers are seizing fresh opportunities to capture increased spending with occassions like Easter and peak grilling season soon approaching.

However, for some residents, spring still feels distant as a late-season storm sweeps through the Central US today and tomorrow, potentially impacting purchasing and consumption patterns in affected regions. 

With roughly a month remaining in Lent, seafood remains a focal point in retail promotions, accounting for 33% of protein advertisements, primarily driven by fresh/frozen fillets as well...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Imports Saw Year-on-Year Growth in 2024

The European Union experienced a notable surge in egg imports in 2024, reaching 121,113 tonnes, a 34.4% increase compared to 90,135 tonnes in 2023. This sharp rise is driven by structural market imbalances and disruptions in local production caused by factors such as avian influenza outbreaks.

Ukraine solidified its position as the EU's leading egg supplier, exporting 74,718 tonnes in 2024, a 36.6% increase from the previous year. This growth was facilitated by a free-trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU, which eased trade restrictions...

ANALYSIS: US Brisket Prices Soften as Seasonal Demand Cools

Brisket prices have eased following the conclusion of peak buying for St. Patrick’s Day corned beef production. Expana’s Benchmark Price for Choice brisket now sits at $3.38/lb, reflecting a 12% decline since the start of 2025. While prices have softened, they remain 6% above the three-year average and 3% higher than this time last year.

The recent price decline can be attributed to a slowdown in demand after the bulk of seasonal purchasing for St. Patrick's Day wrapped up. Additionally, January and February are historically...

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Egg Prices Plummet Amid Consumer Pushback

Cage-free egg prices are retreating considerably, closely tracking the steep declines in the conventional market. Expana's cage-free white large soared to a record high of $9.86/dozen in late February before plunging to $6.93 per dozen—and the slide does not appear to be over, as demand is faltering under the weight of historically elevated pricing.

Retail demand for cage-free eggs had surged in recent months, largely driven by contract-based pricing, commonly used in this category. Retailers scrambled to secure...

ANALYSIS: Uruguay’s Fresh Beef Exports Saw a 10.5% Monthly Increase in February

Uruguay’s fresh beef exports rose 10.5% in February to 34,815 mt, according to the latest report released by the National Customs Directorate. Compared to the same period last year, this figure represents 9.9% growth.

China remained the top destination with 12,306 MT, representing a 3.3% decline from January and a sharp 20.1% Y-o-Y drop. This decline resulted in a contraction in China's share of Uruguay’s total fresh beef exports from 48.6% in February 2024 to 35.3% in February 2025, reflecting a weaker demand...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Beef Sector on Alert Amid US Tariff Uncertainty

As the United States (US) intensifies its "America First" trade policies, Australia’s beef industry is on high alert. Following the imposition of a 25% tariff on imported aluminum and steel, including from Australia, the industry is now bracing for potential inclusion in the next round of tariffs. With the Australian government's request for an exemption rejected, all eyes are on whether beef will be caught in the crossfire.

The US was Australia’s largest beef export destination in 2024, accounting for more than a quarter of total exports at 26.4%... 

ANALYSIS: China's Meat Imports Dip 0.2% YoY in Jan-Feb

China’s combined total meat imports for the month of January and February 2025, including variety meats totaled 1,098,190 metric tons (mt), slipping 0.2% year-on-year (YoY), according to the latest preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.

The monthly average worked out to be 549,095 mt, edging down 1,363 mt (0.2%) compared to the same period last year. The General Administration of Customs typically releases a combined figure for the first two months of the year...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Exports Face Mixed Performance in January Amid Global Production Struggles

January's turkey export numbers vary widely by individual country, but overall trends indicate a continuation of the pattern we've been observing: demand for turkey remains fairly consistent across several international markets, but lower production levels limit export availability.

Mexico closely follows this trend, with a 9.0% month-over-month (MoM) decrease in volume moved compared to the 5-year average MoM decrease of 10.6%, alongside a 4.9% year-over-year (YoY) decline.

Conversely, Canada, Taiwan, and Jamaica all recorded YoY increases in imported volumes...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Leverage Seasonal Trends; Inflation Update

As temperatures rise across much of the US, grocers are highlighting seasonal offerings for springtime occasions and grilling essentials.

Retailers are refining their marketing strategies to align with shifting demand, appealing to sports fans to boost traffic in the meat department. However, securing lower year-over-year protein prices remains a challenge, as factors like animal disease continue to affect availability across key categories.

The wholesale chicken market is gaining traction with baseball season on the horizon, driving demand for boneless items. Expana reports that buyers are scrambling to secure supply...

ANALYSIS: China Imposes 100% Tariff on Canadian Peas

China has announced retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agriculture products after Canada imposed a 100% tax on Chinese electric vehicles, and a 25% duty on steel and aluminum. China’s tariff announcement covers...

ANALYSIS: US Egg Prices Tumble as Retail Demand Falters

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Fresh Beef Exports Saw a 5.5% Monthly Growth in February, Up by 6.7% Y-o-Y

The latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, showed that February’s fresh beef exports (chilled or frozen) stood at 190,453 mt, up by 5.5% M-o-M and accounting for a 6.7% growth from the same period last year.

China remained the main destination for the Brazilian beef, absorbing 92,569 mt last month, growing slightly by 1.5% from January 2025, but still down by 3.6% Y-o-Y. This figure represented 48.6% of total...

ANALYSIS: EU Shell-Egg Prices Soar to Record Highs

For the fifth consecutive week, EU shell-egg prices have continued to rise, reaching record highs and reflecting a market under intense pressure. Last week, enriched caged egg prices reached up to 2.71 €/kg, with an average price of 2.46 €/kg, an increase of 53.75% compared to the same period last year. However, significant regional price disparities persist, with Southern countries generally reporting lower prices than France and Northern European nations.

The upward trend is largely fuelled by strong pre-Easter demand and a tight...

ANALYSIS: March Pet Food Market Insight Report Released

The animal protein and by-product markets experienced various trends in February, with some sectors showing price stability and others facing fluctuations. Factors such as supply constraints, disease concerns, and shifting demand, particularly within the pet food industry, impacted beef, pork, poultry, and plant-based proteins. Additionally, tariffs and global production dynamics continued to disrupt the availability and pricing of essential feed additives like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Feb 2025 Beef Exports Soar 45% MoM to 117,502 mt

Australia’s beef exports in February 2025 soared by 45.0% month-on-month (MoM) to reach 117,502 metric tons (mt), according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF).

This 36,453 mt jump aligned with historical trends, as shipments typically rise following the shorter January working month. The growth was supported by strong demand from key markets including the United States (US), China, Japan, and Korea. Despite this, shipments headed to Southeast Asia saw a decline, limiting further growth.

On an annual basis...

ANALYSIS: Mexico - Brazil Beef Trading Patterns

Mexico's beef import patterns have changed significantly since the implementation of the Package Against Inflation and High Costs (PACIC). The program, renewed in November 2024 under President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, continues to influence trade flows in Mexico's meat sector.

Brazilian beef shipments to Mexico have grown steadily, moving from a small market share to becoming the second-largest supplier in 2024. What started as modest volumes in late 2023 has developed into a substantial trade flow, reflecting Brazil's rapid emergence in the Mexican market...

ANALYSIS: January's Cold Storage Report Reveals Shrinking Turkey Supplies Amid Decreased Production

January's cold storage report further highlights several of the trends that have been discussed in the turkey market for several months now. Overall, there's less turkey in the freezer than there was a year ago. Additionally, month-over-month (MoM) changes in inventory, while generally seasonal, reflect a decreased amount of production available for storage.

All categories on the report were down year-over-year (YoY) with values ranging from 1.7% to 32.2% lower. The smallest YoY difference was for breasts...

The Retail Rundown: Key Buying Occasions on the Horizon 

March presents key retail buying opportunities as spring holidays approach and Lent influences shopping and dining habits.

With Lent beginning today, meat sales typically decline as participants shift toward seafood. This week, seafood promotions rose to 28% of total retail features, up from 26% last week. Currently, 31% of seafood ads highlight fresh or frozen fillets, with options like salmon, cod, and catfish averaging $9.30 per pound on discount—nearly 9% higher than a year ago.

Elsewhere in the retail landscape, beef and pork each account for nearly 25% of featured promotions...

ANALYSIS: Volume of Boneless Beef Hits 12-Month High in Latest USDA Cold Storage Report

According to the latest Cold Storage report from the United States Department of Agriculture, the total amount of beef in cold storage for the month of January was 463.3M lbs. Boneless beef accounted for 424.4M lbs (92% of total) while beef cuts made up the other 38.9M lbs. Both the figures for the total amount of beef and boneless beef equate to a 12-month high.

Cold storage is an important aspect for the imported boneless beef complex...

ANALYSIS: Sluggish Start to 2025 Japan’s Beef Imports

Japan’s total beef imports in January 2025 slumped 17.0% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 32,576 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.

Marking the lowest levels since February 2024, monthly inbound tonnage dropped 6,651 mt on the back of lower volumes from Australia and the United States (US), while increased shipments from New Zealand helped mitigate further declines.

Annually, January 2025’s beef imports into Japan plunged 24.7% (-10,682 mt), reflecting ongoing challenges faced by the world’s third-largest economy...

ANALYSIS: December 2024 Turkey Export Trends Reflect Record Low U.S. Production

The total month-over-month (MoM) change in U.S. turkey exports in December was in line with the 5-year average, the volume traded was 14.5% below year-ago levels. This lends support to the idea that demand patterns for most international turkey destinations have remained consistent, but a lower amount of production has been available for export. The decreased number of supplies that can be traded to international destinations comes as no surprise considering that the total volume of ready-to...

ANALYSIS: US Table-Egg Layer Flock Shrinks to Lowest Level in Nearly a Decade Amid Ongoing Bird Flu 

The latest Chickens and Eggs Report from the USDA revealed that the US table-egg laying population stood at just 291.5 million head as of February 1, marking a 4.1% decline from the previous month and the smallest flock reported since November 2015. However, ongoing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have led to the loss of an additional 11 million layers this month, effectively reducing the national flock to approximately 280 million 

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Jan 2025 Beef Exports Up 6.3% Y-o-Y on Solid US Demand

New Zealand’s January 2025 beef exports dropped 20.3% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 40,002 metric tons (mt), as shown in the latest Stats NZ data. 

Falling by 10,161 mt, volumes were curtailed primarily due to the shorter working month as the country observed the Christmas and New Year festivities. Outbound shipments declined across all key markets. Annually, exports grew 6.3% (+2,369 mt), fueled by healthy demand from the US and Canada. However, shipme

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Rides the Lenten Wave

With March just around the corner, the first signs of spring and warmer days are emerging—welcome news for both consumers and grocers.

Seafood leads this week's protein advertisements, accounting for 26% of total features, closely followed by beef and chicken at 23% each. Pork ads make up 22%, while turkey holds a 3.5% share. Egg promotions remain scarce, extending a two-week trend.

In the seafood complex, fillet promotions are ramping up ahead of the Lenten season, now making up 33.5% of the category’s volume. Ads for both raw and cooked...

ANALYSIS: Veal Industry Grapples with Supply Crunch

Veal cut supplies remain tight as production cuts and record-high calf prices continue to drive costs higher. Rising live cattle prices are also adding further upward pressure. Key cost drivers include growing bob calf prices and increased feed expenses, particularly whey, according to some market participants. Harvest numbers have declined as fewer male Holstein calves enter the market, with prices surging about 300% over the past year due to strong demand from the beef industry for these animals.

With production constrained and costs rising, some industry contributors...

ANALYSIS: The Effect of US Tariffs on Food Packaging Materials

US President Donald Trump’s long-touted import tariff regime has started to take shape throughout February.

Trump’s administration has targeted China with tariffs of 10% on all imports and 25% import tariffs were applied to Canada and Mexico.

On February 13, Trump signed a memorandum ordering his advisers to create a plan to tackle the US trade deficit.

This followed an announcement on February 11 of the imposition of tariffs of 25% on all imports of aluminum and steel.

Expana analysts have assessed the impact on packaging materials...

ANALYSIS: Robust Start for Korea’s Jan 2025 Beef Imports, Annual Decline Persists

Korea’s beef imports in January 2025 totaled 62,353 metric tons (mt), jumping a whopping 250.0% month-on-month (m-o-m), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service. 

Despite the 44,536 mt sharp increase, this gain aligns with historical trends, as importers typically front-load shipments to take advantage of in-quota volumes and lower tariffs at the start of the year. This also marked the third-strongest January on record, as higher volumes from Australia contributed to a strong rebound following the early...

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s Beef Exports Declined 20.1% M-o-M in January, Driven by Sharp Drop in China’s

Argentina’s beef exports totaled 46,159 MT in January 2025, according to the latest data released by their National Institute of Statistics and Census, marking a 20.1% decline M-o-M and a 25.4% drop Y-o-Y. The decline was primarily driven by weaker demand from China, which remained the top destination but saw shipments fall to 30,181 MT, down 26.7% from December and 38.5% from January 2024. China’s share of Argentina’s total beef exports declined to...

ANALYSIS: Robust Demand Drives Chicken Cold Storage Inventory Down in December 2024

December’s cold storage report highlights the continued, relatively robust demand for chicken items. Frozen inventories of nearly all categories apart from paws were lower year-over-year (YoY). While domestic retail distribution during the month of December was not at the highest level it has been, it was among the top 25% of monthly values since January 2020. Additionally, market input suggested that domestic food service demand was active throughout much of the year.

The total number of chickens...

ANALYSIS: Low Production Reflected by Shrinking Inventories, December’s Turkey Cold Storage Report

In December’s cold storage report, all categories of turkey apart from “other” were down year-over-year (YoY), which was the first time that this had occurred in 2024. For even some of the less sought after items to be lower YoY really highlights the intensive production shortages that plagued the industry. This is further magnified by the fact that month-over-month (MoM) increases in whole bird, breasts, and total inventories were far below the 5-year average MoM increase.

Meanwhile, the disappearance of MST.

The Retail Rundown: Cold Weather Influences Demand

As February winds down, grocers are looking ahead to the arrival of spring and warmer weather, which typically sparks renewed retail demand after a slower start to the year.

For now, wintry weather remains in full blast, with record-breaking cold temperatures and heavy snow impacting the Central and Eastern US this week. These conditions could support continued retail demand for items like eggs, which are seeing strong consumer interest despite rising shelf prices. However, the extreme cold may not be as favorable for meat consumption, especially in southern regions accustomed to year...

ANALYSIS: Record US Pork Exports Fuel 2024 Growth

The latest USDA data released on February 6th shows US pork exports reaching a five-year monthly high in volume, which has exceeded volumes compared to the previous five years.

December 2024 exports totaled 292,935.3 metric tons (MT), a slight increase of 0.4% over November and 0.3% year-over-year. This capped off a year exceeding the previous five-year average by 6.5% and marking the highest annual export volume in five years. 

Export volumes surpassed 2023 levels in mid-June and...

ANALYSIS: US Beef Impacts if 25% Tariff on Canada Resumes

On Monday, February 3, President Trump announced the postponement of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, with the possibility of reinstating it in 30 days. This delay comes amid ongoing discussions and underscores the importance of Canada's longstanding trade relationship with the United States (US). Now, universal tariffs are under consideration for future trade action. Canada remains one of the US's largest trading partners, with trade agreements spanning decades, including the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Beef and live cattle...

ANALYSIS: US 2025 Coarse Ground 73% Sees Spike & February Pullback

Coarse ground 73% has experienced significant price volatility so far in 2025. The past few weeks have seen sharp fluctuations, with prices starting at $2.35/lb in early January before surging to $3.07/lb in just two weeks, a 31% increase, surpassing year-ago levels by 5%, according to Expana’s Benchmark Pricing. This spike was largely driven by a combination of increased demand ahead of the Super Bowl and tightened supplies of lean material.

Historically, this type of price movement is not uncommon for coarse ground...

ANALYSIS: Shifting Demand Patterns for Chicken May be Related to the Prices of Competing Proteins

Since the first week of the year, jumbo boneless breast meat quotations have risen by 14.9%, which is just a slight increase compared to the 5-year average. The current quotation, however, is 14.3% above the 5-year average for this time of year. There are several factors that play into this advance, but perhaps one of the most easily quantified ones is the differences in retail prices of fresh ground beef and fresh chicken breast meat.

Since the start of the...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s 2024 Total Cattle Slaughter Falls to 6-Year Lows at 2.63M Head 

New Zealand’s total livestock slaughter in 2024, covering bulls, cows, heifers, and steers, dropped to the lowest level since 2018, reaching 2.63 million head, according to official Stats NZ data.

With an annual decline of 113,823 head, kill rates slumped 4.2% year-on-year (y-o-y), driven primarily by drought-induced destocking, particularly in the South Island. A reduction in breeding cows, along with fewer calves raised since 2022 due to profitability challenges, further tightened supply...

ANALYSIS: EU Shell Egg Market Strengthens Following a Slow January 

The EU shell egg market began 2025 with a sluggish start, as food manufacturers gradually resumed their operations, following typical seasonal trends. The buildup of inventory during the Christmas period, combined with weak demand, led to slight price declines in early January. Breakers were cautious, only purchasing when prices met their expectations. However, retail demand remained active, driven by colder weather and a growing consumer appetite for eggs. 

As January progressed, market conditions shifted. Demand from breakers increased, at the same t

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Beef Exports Kick Off 2025 with a 10.9% M-o-M Decline, Hold Steady Y-o-Y

According to the latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Brazilian beef exports totaled 180,471 MT in January 2025, marking a 10.9% decline compared to December. Despite the monthly drop, volumes remained largely stable Y-o-Y, down just 0.6% from January 2024.

Shipments to China, Brazil's primary market, fell 20.0% M-o-M to 91,181 MT, accounting for 50.5% of total exports. On an annual basis, exports to...

ANALYSIS: 2024 Turkey Harvest Hits Record Low

2024 marked the first time on record, dating back to 2001, in which the total number of turkeys processed annually was below 200 million. At a value of approximately 198 million turkeys, 2024’s turkey harvest values fell 8.3% below those of 2023, and 9.2% below the 5-year average. This was the second most dramatic year-over-year (YoY) change ever recorded, lagging just behind 2009 when the number of turkeys harvested fell by 9.4%. This is a very important factor to consider when looking at the...

ANALYSIS: Rising Broiler Weights: Understanding the Factors Driving Growth and Market Implications

Based on weekly data from the USDA, in 1998 the average live weight of broilers at the processing plant was 4.87 lbs. By 2024, that number had risen 34.1% to a value of 6.52 lbs. During every one of those 26 years, average live weights were either maintained or increased from the year prior. In fact, in 2015 there was as much as a 3.4% increase year-over-year (YoY). Now, as data for the first month of 2025 comes in, the trend of YoY gains in...