The Top 10 Meat Importing Countries in the World

Meat is a staple food in many countries around the world, and while some countries are able to produce enough meat to meet their own needs, others rely heavily on imports to satisfy the demand. In this report, we will take a closer look at the top 10 meat importing countries in the world, examining the volume of imports, the types of meat imported, and the key players in the global meat trade.

1. United States

The United States is the largest meat importing country in the world, with a total volume of imports reaching over 3 million metric tons in 2020. The country imports a wide range of meats, including beef, pork, and poultry, with the majority of imports coming from countries like Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

2. China

China is the second largest meat importing country in the world, with imports totaling around 2.5 million metric tons in 2020. The country’s growing middle class has led to an increased demand for meat, and China relies heavily on imports to meet this demand. The main types of meat imported by China include pork, beef, and poultry, with a significant portion of imports coming from countries like Brazil, the United States, and the European Union.

3. Japan

Japan is the third largest meat importing country in the world, with imports totaling around 1.5 million metric tons in 2020. The country is known for its high standards when it comes to food safety, and as a result, Japan imports a significant amount of meat from countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada. The main types of meat imported by Japan include beef, pork, and poultry.

4. Germany

Germany is the fourth largest meat importing country in the world, with imports totaling around 1 million metric tons in 2020. The country is a major player in the European meat market, and imports a wide range of meats, including beef, pork, and poultry. Germany imports meat from a variety of countries, with the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland being key suppliers.

5. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is the fifth largest meat importing country in the world, with imports totaling around 800,000 metric tons in 2020. The country imports a wide range of meats, including beef, pork, and poultry, with the majority of imports coming from countries like Ireland, the Netherlands, and Denmark. The UK’s decision to leave the European Union has had an impact on its meat imports, with new trade agreements having to be negotiated.

6. South Korea

South Korea is the sixth largest meat importing country in the world, with imports totaling around 700,000 metric tons in 2020. The country is known for its love of meat, particularly beef and pork, and relies heavily on imports to meet the demand. South Korea imports meat from a variety of countries, with the United States, Australia, and Canada being key suppliers.

7. Italy

Italy is the seventh largest meat importing country in the world, with imports totaling around 600,000 metric tons in 2020. The country is known for its love of food, and imports a wide range of meats, including beef, pork, and poultry. Italy imports meat from a variety of countries, with Germany, France, and Spain being key suppliers.

8. France

France is the eighth largest meat importing country in the world, with imports totaling around 500,000 metric tons in 2020. The country is known for its culinary expertise, and imports a wide range of meats, including beef, pork, and poultry. France imports meat from a variety of countries, with Germany, Spain, and Belgium being key suppliers.

9. Spain

Spain is the ninth largest meat importing country in the world, with imports totaling around 400,000 metric tons in 2020. The country is known for its love of meat, particularly pork, and imports a wide range of meats to satisfy the demand. Spain imports meat from a variety of countries, with Germany, France, and the Netherlands being key suppliers.

10. Netherlands

The Netherlands is the tenth largest meat importing country in the world, with imports totaling around 300,000 metric tons in 2020. The country is known for its high standards when it comes to food safety, and imports a wide range of meats, including beef, pork, and poultry. The Netherlands imports meat from a variety of countries, with Germany, Belgium, and Denmark being key suppliers.

Overall, the global meat trade is a complex and dynamic industry, with countries around the world relying on imports to meet the demand for meat. The top 10 meat importing countries in the world play a crucial role in this trade, and will continue to do so in the years to come.