The Top 10 Meat Exporting Countries in the World
Meat is a staple food in many countries around the world, and the global meat industry is a multi-billion dollar business. In this report, we will take a closer look at the top 10 meat exporting countries in the world, their production volumes, export values, and key players in the industry.
1. United States
The United States is the largest meat exporter in the world, with a total export value of over $16 billion in 2020. The country produces a wide variety of meats, including beef, pork, and poultry. The top players in the US meat industry include Tyson Foods, JBS USA, and Cargill.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $16 billion
- Top meat exports: Beef, pork, poultry
- Key players: Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill
2. Brazil
Brazil is the second largest meat exporter in the world, with a total export value of over $15 billion in 2020. The country is known for its high-quality beef and poultry products. The top players in the Brazilian meat industry include JBS S.A., BRF, and Marfrig Global Foods.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $15 billion
- Top meat exports: Beef, poultry
- Key players: JBS S.A., BRF, Marfrig Global Foods
3. Australia
Australia is the third largest meat exporter in the world, with a total export value of over $10 billion in 2020. The country is known for its high-quality beef and lamb products. The top players in the Australian meat industry include JBS Australia, Teys Australia, and Nippon Meat Packers.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $10 billion
- Top meat exports: Beef, lamb
- Key players: JBS Australia, Teys Australia, Nippon Meat Packers
4. European Union
The European Union is a major player in the global meat industry, with a total export value of over $9 billion in 2020. The EU exports a wide range of meats, including pork, beef, and poultry. The top players in the EU meat industry include Danish Crown, Vion Food Group, and Tönnies Group.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $9 billion
- Top meat exports: Pork, beef, poultry
- Key players: Danish Crown, Vion Food Group, Tönnies Group
5. Canada
Canada is a significant meat exporter, with a total export value of over $5 billion in 2020. The country exports a variety of meats, including beef, pork, and poultry. The top players in the Canadian meat industry include Maple Leaf Foods, Olymel, and Cargill.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $5 billion
- Top meat exports: Beef, pork, poultry
- Key players: Maple Leaf Foods, Olymel, Cargill
6. New Zealand
New Zealand is a major player in the global meat industry, with a total export value of over $4 billion in 2020. The country is known for its high-quality lamb and beef products. The top players in the New Zealand meat industry include Silver Fern Farms, Alliance Group, and Anzco Foods.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $4 billion
- Top meat exports: Lamb, beef
- Key players: Silver Fern Farms, Alliance Group, Anzco Foods
7. India
India is a growing player in the global meat industry, with a total export value of over $3 billion in 2020. The country exports a variety of meats, including buffalo meat and poultry. The top players in the Indian meat industry include Allana Group, Venky’s India, and Suguna Foods.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $3 billion
- Top meat exports: Buffalo meat, poultry
- Key players: Allana Group, Venky’s India, Suguna Foods
8. Argentina
Argentina is a significant meat exporter, with a total export value of over $2 billion in 2020. The country is known for its high-quality beef products. The top players in the Argentine meat industry include Coto, La Anónima, and Marfrig Global Foods.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $2 billion
- Top meat exports: Beef
- Key players: Coto, La Anónima, Marfrig Global Foods
9. Mexico
Mexico is a growing player in the global meat industry, with a total export value of over $2 billion in 2020. The country exports a variety of meats, including beef, pork, and poultry. The top players in the Mexican meat industry include SuKarne, Bachoco, and Pilgrim’s Pride.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $2 billion
- Top meat exports: Beef, pork, poultry
- Key players: SuKarne, Bachoco, Pilgrim’s Pride
10. China
China is a major player in the global meat industry, with a total export value of over $2 billion in 2020. The country is known for its high-quality pork products. The top players in the Chinese meat industry include WH Group, COFCO Meat, and China Yurun Food Group.
Key Data:
- Total meat export value: $2 billion
- Top meat exports: Pork
- Key players: WH Group, COFCO Meat, China Yurun Food Group
Overall, the global meat industry is highly competitive, with the top 10 exporting countries dominating the market. These countries produce a wide variety of meats and have established themselves as key players in the industry.
For more information on the state of the global meat industry, you can read our report on The State of the Global Meat Industry in 2025.
Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report
