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European Union agri-food sector sees shifting livestock trade and rising production costs
The European Union's agri-food sector is experiencing significant shifts in production and trade. EU agri-food exports reached EUR 138.7 billion in the first seven months of 2026, a 1% year-on-year decrease. This decline was largely driven by a EUR 930 million drop in pigmeat exports due to lower prices and reduced volumes to markets including China, Japan, and the UK. Conversely, beef and veal exports rose by EUR 295 million, and poultry and egg imports increased by EUR 250 million.
In the livestock sector, EU pork production reached 7.6 million tonnes between January and April 2026, with Spain remaining the leading producer. Meanwhile, chicken meat production in the EU is projected to rise by approximately 2% to 13 million tonnes by 2027, supported by sustained domestic demand.
Farmers in the EU are facing economic pressure as agricultural production prices fell by 5.8% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year. This decline in revenue coincides with a 4.7% increase in the costs of production factors, such as energy, fertilizers, and animal feed. Specifically, milk prices saw a sharp 16.6% decrease, while energy and lubricant costs rose by 22%.
In the corporate sector, Pilgrim’s Europe reported a rise in full-year sales to £4.12bn and an operating profit increase of 10.4% for the year ending 2025, driven by growth in its poultry operations which helped offset softer performance in pork.
Entities
Canada · European Commission · European Union · Eurostat · Pilgrim’s Europe · Spain · Waitrose
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pilgrim’s Europe revenue for the year ending 2025 reached £4.12bn. www.grocerygazette.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pilgrim’s Europe operating profit increased 10.4% to £267.7m for the 2025 fiscal year. www.grocerygazette.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Pigmeat exports fell by EUR 930 million, a 13% decrease. www.thebeefsite.com · www.thepoultrysite.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Beef and veal exports rose by EUR 295 million, a 16% increase. www.thebeefsite.com · www.thepoultrysite.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] EU agri-food exports reached EUR 138.7 billion in the first seven months of 2026. www.thebeefsite.com · www.thepoultrysite.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The EU agri-food trade surplus widened to EUR 30.1 billion in the first seven months of 2026. www.thebeefsite.com · www.thepoultrysite.com