Explore the top 10 world’s largest meat-exporting countries in 2023, including types of meat & export volumes. Discover the global players in the meat industry.

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Top 10 Meat Exporting Countries 2023

1. Brazil

Brazil is consistently the largest meat exporter globally, known for its extensive production of beef, poultry, and pork. In 2022, Brazil exported approximately 7.5 million metric tons of meat, including:

• Beef: 2.5 million metric tons
• Poultry: 4.2 million metric tons
• Pork: 0.8 million metric tons

Key export markets for Brazilian meat include China, the United States, and the European Union.

2. United States

The United States is a major player in the global meat export market, with a strong presence in beef and poultry. In 2022, the United States exported approximately 5.8 million metric tons of meat, including:

• Beef: 1.3 million metric tons
• Poultry: 4.1 million metric tons
• Pork: 0.4 million metric tons

Prominent export destinations for U.S. meat include Japan, Mexico, and South Korea.

3. Australia

Australia is renowned for its high-quality beef and lamb exports. In 2022, Australia exported approximately 2.2 million metric tons of meat, including:

• Beef: 1.5 million metric tons
• Lamb: 0.6 million metric tons

Key export markets for Australian meat include China, the United States, and Japan.

4. Argentina

Argentina specializes in beef exports, with a strong focus on grass-fed cattle. In 2022, Argentina exported approximately 0.9 million metric tons of beef.

Major export destinations for Argentine beef include China, Chile, and the European Union.

5. India

India is a significant exporter of buffalo meat, known as “carabeef.” In 2022, India exported approximately 1.3 million metric tons of meat.

Major export markets for Indian meat include Vietnam, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

6. New Zealand

New Zealand excels in lamb and mutton exports. In 2022, New Zealand exported approximately 0.6 million metric tons of meat, including:

• Lamb: 0.4 million metric tons
• Mutton: 0.2 million metric tons

Primary export destinations for New Zealand meat include China, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

7. Canada

Canada is a substantial exporter of pork and beef products. In 2022, Canada exported approximately 1.5 million metric tons of meat, including:

• Beef: 0.4 million metric tons
• Pork: 1.1 million metric tons

Key export markets for Canadian meat include the United States, Japan, and Mexico.

8. Germany

Germany plays a vital role in the European Union’s meat exports, particularly pork products. In 2022, Germany exported approximately 0.8 million metric tons of meat, including:

• Pork: 0.7 million metric tons
• Beef: 0.1 million metric tons

The country’s key export destinations for meat include China, the United States, and neighboring European countries.

9. Spain

Spain is a notable exporter of pork. In 2022, Spain exported approximately 0.5 million metric tons of meat, primarily pork.

Major export markets for Spanish meat include China, France, and Italy.

10. Netherlands

The Netherlands is a key player in the European meat export market, specializing in pork and poultry products. In 2022, the Netherlands exported approximately 0.8 million metric tons of meat, including:

• Pork: 0.6 million metric tons
• Poultry: 0.2 million metric tons

Primary export destinations for Dutch meat include Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

Related: Top 10 Meat Importing Countries by Volumes and Types of Meat

Conclusion The World Top Meat Export Countries

The global meat industry is highly competitive, with several countries dominating the meat export market. Factors such as production capacity, product quality, trade policies, and access to international markets play a crucial role in determining a country’s success in this industry. The top 10 meat-exporting countries identified in this report have consistently demonstrated their ability to meet global demand for meat products and maintain a strong presence in the international marketplace. As the world’s population continues to grow and global food preferences evolve, these countries will likely continue to shape the future of the global meat industry.

Data Sources

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)
• National trade statistics from the respective countries

Related: Top Meat Producing Countries 2023