Beef is one of the most popular meats consumed worldwide. But what countries produce the most beef? In this article we’ll examine global beef production and identify the top beef producing nations.
Overview of Global Beef Production
According to data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), total global beef production in 2024 was around 62 million metric tons. This is up from around 59 million metric tons in 2023. So beef production continues to grow steadily worldwide.
The top 5 beef producing countries are
- United States
- Brazil
- China
- European Union
- India
These top 5 countries account for over 65% of total global beef output.
Now let’s take a closer look at beef production in each of these leading nations.
1. United States
The United States is far and away the largest producer of beef in the world. According to USDA data, U.S. beef production for 2024/2025 is forecast at around 12.3 million metric tons. This represents approximately 20% of total global beef output.
The U.S. produces nearly double the amount of beef as the next largest producing nation, Brazil. Factors driving high U.S. beef production include its large cattle herd, advanced production methods, high domestic beef demand, and policies supporting the beef industry.
The top beef cattle producing states are Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, California and Oklahoma. The U.S. beef industry consists mostly of feedlots with capacities over 1,000 head.
2. Brazil
Brazil is the 2nd largest beef producer globally, with output forecast at 11.85 million metric tons in 2024/2025. This represents about 19% of total world beef production.
Brazil has a huge cattle herd of over 232 million head, allowing it to produce beef on a massive scale. Most Brazilian beef is grass-fed. Key producing states are Mato Grosso, Rondônia, Goiás and Minas Gerais.
Beef is an important export item for Brazil. It ships fresh and processed beef products to over 150 countries.
3. China
China is the 3rd biggest beef producer. Chinese beef output is forecast at 7.79 million metric tons in 2024/2025, accounting for around 13% of global production.
Rising incomes and changing diets have stimulated China’s demand for beef. To help meet this growing appetite, China has rapidly increased domestic beef production over the last decade.
However, China still relies heavily on imports to satisfy beef consumption. It purchases beef from countries like Argentina, Uruguay and Australia.
4. European Union
The European Union collectively produces the 4th most beef in the world. EU beef output is forecast at 6.63 million metric tons for 2024/2025, making up about 11% of world production.
France, Germany, Ireland, Poland and Spain are the largest beef producers within the EU. The EU cattle herd is grass-fed for most of the year. Grain finishing lasts around 100-150 days on average.
The EU is the 3rd largest exporter of beef globally, shipping mainly to Asian and Middle Eastern markets. However, high domestic demand also makes the EU a major beef importer.
5. India
India rounds out the top 5, forecast to produce 4.57 million metric tons of beef in 2024/2025. This equates to approximately 7% of global output.
The Indian government plays a large role in the beef industry. It sets production targets and policies aimed at self-sufficiency in beef supply.
Most Indian cattle are grass-fed on small farms. Beef consumption is limited in India for religious reasons. As such, India exports a significant share of its beef production.
Other Notable Beef Producers
While the top 5 countries dominate global beef output, several other nations have sizable production:
- Argentina – 3.18 million metric tons
- Australia – 2.58 million metric tons
- Mexico – 2.26 million metric tons
- Russia – 1.44 million metric tons
- Canada – 1.31 million metric tons
As developing countries continue to drive growth in beef demand, production will likely keep rising to meet both domestic and export needs. The top beef producing nations are well positioned to supply the increasing global appetite for beef in the years ahead.
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David Miller, Consulting Chief Economist, Decision Innovation Solutions
The US is a major player in the world beef market. Even with a reduced inventory of beef cows, the US is again expected to be the top producer of beef in the world in 2024, with production of just over 12.1 million metric tons of beef (Table 1). The US is also the top consumer of beef, consuming just over 12.7 million metric tons of beef each year.
On the trade front, the US is a top 5 importer and top 5 exporter of beef. In 2023, the US was the leader in value of beef exports (Figure 1) but was 4th in the quantity of beef exported (Figure 2). India recently passed the US to claim the 3rd spot in volume. On the other hand, the US has firmly been the 2nd largest importer of beef in the world, behind only China.
Major Trade Partners for US Beef
Over the past 5 years, Japan and South Korea have been the top buyers of US beef. Together they make up 46% of US beef exports. Mexico, China, and Hong Kong have also been large buyers of US beef, and combined they make up 29% of US beef exports. The top 5 markets for US beef make up 75% of the value of US beef exports and account for 76% of the volume. Recall US exports are typically higher value products and cuts than US beef imports.
Canada and Mexico, connected to the US by surface transportation, have been the largest suppliers of imported beef to the US and account for 52% of the value of US beef imports and 52% of the volume of beef imports (Table 2). Australia, New Zealand, and Nicaragua are also significant suppliers to beef to the US and combined they account for 36% of the value of beef imports and 36% of the volume. Much of the beef coming in from New Zealand, and Nicaragua is in the form of lean trimmings and beef best-suited for grinding.
These 10 Countries Have The BEST BEEF
FAQ
Which country is the biggest producer of beef?
| Position | Country or Group of Countries | Millions of tons of beef produced |
|---|---|---|
| 1st position | USA | 12.89 |
| 2nd position | Brazil | 10.35 |
| 3rd position | China | 7.18 |
| 4th position | India | 4.35 |
What country is number 1 in beef?
| Market | % of Global Production | Total Production (2024/2025, Metric Tons) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 20% | 12.29 Million |
| Brazil | 19% | 11.85 Million |
| China | 13% | 7.79 Million |
| European Union | 11% | 6.63 Million |
What country has the highest quality beef?
-
WorldClasshttps://www.worldclass.com15 Countries that Produce the Best Beef in the World – WorldClassThe quality of Argentine beef can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s vast grasslands and ideal climate, which provide the perfect conditi…
What are the 3 top meat producing countries?
| Rank | Country | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 2022 |
| 2 | United States | 2022 |
| 3 | Brazil | 2022 |
| 4 | Russia | 2022 |