The EU meat sector in 2012 continues to be supported by strong global demand, driven by the relatively favourable situation in emerging economies. However, domestic demand suffers from a slowdown in the EU economic growth. Overall meat supply is still relatively tight in many world regions and is further constrained by high feed costs. As a consequence, world prices remain high and EU meat exports flourish.

Poultry meat

After a 1.1 per cent increase in 2011, EU poultry meat production is expected to keep growing (+1.0 per cent in 2012 and +0.3 per cent in 2013). Based on data available for January-April, the very dynamic trend of EU poultry exports would continue in 2012, with a projected increase of 14 per cent, driven by global demand.

Poultry meat consumption is likely to decline by 0.4 per cent in 2012 (as for all other meats, but to a lesser extent) and to rebound in 2013 (+0.3 per cent). The share of poultry in total EU meat consumption would be constantly increasing. In 2012, EU broiler prices followed so far the seasonal trend and are slightly above the average.