According to a new report, weak consumer purchasing power could shape demand when it comes to purchasing meat this year, leading shoppers around the world to turn to poultry.
Rising inflation and ongoing geopolitical tensions are also among the main risks facing the sector in 2026 according to the latest meat market review published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The report shows that global meat production generally rose last year.
This was driven by a number of factors, according to the FAO, including higher levels of slaughter associated with herd liquidation in major producing countries, relatively lower feed costs compared to the previous year and “strong consumer demand for animal protein at a global level”.
Poultry meat saw the biggest increase in production last year, rising to 156 million tons, but pork production also rose to 129 million tons, showing the impact of higher slaughter rates in China.
China is expected to remain a “key determinant” of the level of global pork production this year again, with production expected to remain broadly stable.
In contrast, global beef production expanded only marginally in 2025, rising by 0.7 percent, and the latest FAO report forecasts “a decline in global beef production in 2026.”
Last year, higher female slaughter and efficiency gains supported production in Brazil, while continued herd thinning in Australia increased slaughter volumes, combined with generally favorable pasture conditions and strong export demand, supporting production growth.
Overall, these increases were partially offset by declines in the United States due to cattle herd declines.
Meat trade
Research indicates that global meat trade increased by 3.4 percent last year, reaching 43.4 million tons.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, this increase has occurred despite a number of challenges including:
- limited exportable supplies in many major exporting countries;
- Import/export restrictions related to animal diseases;
- Evolution of trade policy measures;
- Geopolitical tensions affecting sourcing processes.
The latest FAO meat market report warns that the sector continues to face ongoing challenges this year from conflicts to macroeconomic conditions and “persistence of animal diseases”.
He also expects consumers to opt for “substitution” when purchasing meat, which could push poultry to the forefront.
