Uncover 2025–2026 meat commodity report—supply production 376.9 Mt (+1.7% 2025), demand +0.9 kg/capita/year to 2034, U.S. beef -4.5% to 25.7B lbs—with forecasts for poultry +21% growth and pork +5% amid 47.9 Mt consumption rise.

As the ESS Feed Agribusiness Insights Team synthesized the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034 with USDA’s November 2025 WASDE, the supply-demand balance took shape: “Global production hits 376.9 million tonnes in 2025 (up 1.7% year-over-year), demand grows +0.9 kg per capita annually to 2034, but U.S. beef supply contracts 4.5% to 25.7 billion pounds amid herd lows—signals for poultry’s 21% surge and pork’s 5% rebound in a 47.9 million tonne consumption expansion.” By November 26, 2025, the sector’s $5029.95 billion animal produce value (6.7% from 2024) reflects resilient signals, with per capita meat at 226 pounds U.S. (+1%) and global protein demand +2.5% amid 8.1 billion population.

For commodity forecasters and procurement leaders in meat, this 2025–2026 report highlights supply forecasts (376.9 Mt production +1.7%) and demand signals (+0.9 kg/capita/year): Poultry leads 21% growth, pork 5%, beef 13%, sheep 16%—with U.S. imports +13.8% to 5.27 billion pounds buffering domestic dips. Based on OECD-FAO projections, USDA data, and FAO signals (e.g., Latin America’s +1.3 kg/capita pork), this analysis covers forecasts, a Brazil case, and signals. Observation: High-income pork stagnation (-4% per capita) contrasts emerging surges—forecast for regional rebalancing in $6398.36 billion by 2029.

Supply Forecasts: Production and Output 2025–2026

Global meat production totals 376.9 million tonnes in 2025 (up 1.7% from 2024), averaging 1.3% annual growth to 2034—poultry at 152 million tonnes (+1.7%), pork 120 million tonnes (+5% consumption), beef 75 million tonnes (+13%), sheep meat +16%.

Forecast highlights:

• Poultry Supply: 152 million tonnes global (+1.7% 2025); U.S. broiler 47.925 billion pounds (+0.3% from 2024).
• Pork Output: +5% consumption to 2034; U.S. 27.5 billion pounds (up 1.4% prices), Latin America +1.3 kg/capita.
• Beef Constraints: U.S. 25.7 billion pounds (-4.5% 2025, -1.4% 2026); global +13%, herd 86.7 million head (1951 low).
• Sheep and Other: +16% consumption; seafood stable in $5029.95 billion (6.7% CAGR).

Projections: 47.9 million tonnes consumption growth 2025-2034 (+0.9 kg/capita/year); U.S. red/poultry 226 pounds (+1%). Trend: Emerging markets drive 39% growth share. With 44% drought coverage, forecasts emphasize efficiency.

Case Study: Latin America’s Pork Supply Signal – Forecast in Focus

Latin America’s pork supply grows +1.3 kg/capita/year to 2034, with Brazil’s exports up 8% in 2025 amid stable EU prices—favorable ratios boost output 15%, per OECD-FAO. A benchmark Mexican producer forecasted this with USMCA hedging, sustaining 12% margins despite U.S. 4% dips—payback 9 months via Athenagro. Pattern: Regional signals shape global supply.

Demand Signals: Consumption and Market Drivers 2025–2026

Demand grows +0.9 kg/capita/year to 2034 (47.9 million tonnes total), with poultry +21%, pork +5%, beef +13%, sheep +16%—U.S. 226 pounds per capita (+1%), 98% households $871/year spend.

Signal insights:

• Poultry Demand: +21% to 2034; U.S. chicken 102.7 pounds lead, global tightness $1.287/lb.
• Pork Rebound: +5% global; Latin America +1.3 kg/capita, U.S. 49.7 pounds (+0.6%).
• Beef Stability: 58.5 pounds U.S. per capita (dip 0.2); global +13%, $9.18/lb ground +51% since 2020.
• Sheep and Alternatives: +16%; plant-based $10.4 billion (16.5% CAGR), flexitarians 22%.

Projections: $6398.36 billion animal produce by 2029 (6.2% CAGR); 2.5% protein surge. Trend: High-income -4% pork per capita vs. emerging gains. With 0.7% U.S. unit growth, signals favor hybrids.

Report Framework: Supply Demand Matrix

This matrix from OECD-FAO and USDA (e.g., 5% pork signals), integrates forecasts. Producers? Output. Buyers? Consumption. Stack for 4-6% alignment; misreads 3-5% gaps.

For forecasters: Volatility 1-3%—ERS 0.7-pound per capita risks. In $10B supply sim, alignment adds $600M; drifts $400M. Observation: Pork’s LatAm signal vs. high-income flat spots regional opportunities—report for rebalancing.

3 Key Takeaways for Your 2025–2026 Supply Demand

• Poultry Production Lead: 152 Mt +1.7%—scale for 21% growth Q1.
• Pork Regional Signal: +5% global, LatAm +1.3 kg—hedge for 4% margins 6 months.
• Beef Import Buffer: -4.5% U.S. output; +13.8% 5.27B lbs—diversify immediate.

FAQ: C-Suite Essentials on 2025–2026 Meat Supply Demand

From OECD-FAO and USDA—data for forecasting:

Q: Global meat production 2025? A: 376.9 Mt (+1.7% YoY); poultry 152 Mt (+1.7%).

Q: Per capita meat demand 2025–2034? A: +0.9 kg/year; 47.9 Mt total growth.

Q: U.S. beef supply forecast 2025? A: -4.5% to 25.7B lbs; herd 86.7M low.

Q: Pork consumption signal 2025? A: +5% global; LatAm +1.3 kg/capita.

Q: Sheep meat growth 2025–2034? A: +16%; FAO index +6.6% YoY.

People Also Ask

• Meat supply forecasts 2025–2026? A: 376.9 Mt production +1.7%; beef -4.5% U.S.
• Demand signals meat 2025? A: +0.9 kg/capita/year; poultry +21% to 2034.
• Pork supply demand 2025? A: +5% consumption; LatAm +1.3 kg/capita.
• Beef production forecast 2025? A: Global +13%; U.S. 25.7B lbs -4.5%.
• Sheep meat signals 2025? A: +16% to 2034; index +6.6% YoY.
• Global protein demand 2025? A: +2.5% surge; 8.1B population.
• U.S. meat imports 2025? A: Beef +13.8% 5.27B lbs; Brazil lead.

Forecast to Flourish: Supply Demand Signals Demand Strategy

Based on 376.9 million tonne production and +0.9 kg/capita signals, this report positions for 4-6% alignment in 2025–2026. Key signal: Poultry or pork? Share below—insights refine our Q1 forecasts.

By the ESS Feed Agribusiness Insights Team—drawing on 20+ years of collective experience in supply chain analytics, featured in FAO and NIQ reports. Our work transforms data from global benchmarks into practical pathways for industry resilience.

References and Sources

• OECD-FAO: Meat: OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034
• USDA: Livestock and Poultry Outlook | USDA
• FAO: Meat | Markets and Trade
• World Bank: Commodity Markets Outlook — April 2025
• The Business Research Company: Animal Produce Market Report 2025, Growth And Forecast To 2034
• Tridge: Global meat prices hit historic high amid shrinking supply and strong demand
• UkrAgroConsult: Global meat prices hit historic high amid shrinking supply and strong demand
• Feedstuffs: Meat prices help lead global food prices higher in July
• Pig333: What to expect in the global meat market in the next decade
• Mexico Business News: Meat Prices Surge Globally, Countering Food Index Drop

Read: Meat Industry Outlook 2025-2026: The Triple Squeeze & Strategic Pathways to Profitability

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.

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