Spanish beef significantly more expensive

The situation in the European cattle market remains roughly the same as that of the past few months. The price of beef cattle remains almost stable, while dairy cattle continues to become cheaper. On the meat markets, the price of O-quality cattle shows slight recovery. Meanwhile, Spain has taken over as the most expensive major beef market. The trends in the European market remain roughly the same. Beef cattle prices have slightly decreased since the summer, but since the peak in week 44, the price of R-quality has dropped by 1%. The price of O-quality has now dropped by 3.6%, but in week 48, there was already a slight correction upwards. Thus, the picture has remained the same since the summer. While beef cattle prices are practically stable, the higher supply of dairy meat has put price pressure on it. On average, there is a small correction concerning the Christmas demand. This is not very visible in the cattle market. Slaughterhouses know how to sell dairy cattle meat in the EU somewhat better again, but the supply of dairy cattle is more than strong enough. As a result, slaughterhouses are slowing their purchases of cattle. Market participants have reported this earlier, but it is now also reflected in the statistics from the RVO. Between weeks 42 and 45, significantly more cattle were slaughtered to increase the supply. In week 46, however, the Dutch slaughter number has already taken a considerable backward step, and insiders in the market indicate that the number of slaughters is still on the low side. The pressure on prices is also visible for the first time in the official statistics. Nevertheless, the quotation from Livestock & Logistics is remarkable. Prices are 5 cents lower across the board. However, it is heard in the market that there has been a decline in the price of dairy cattle of 40 to 60 cents in recent months. Meanwhile, the price of beef cattle is stable, as the market reports. Spanish prices at peak level Meanwhile, Spanish prices have risen significantly again. Data from Eurostat shows that the price of young bulls of R-quality is now above the level of other major producers on the continent: Germany, France, and Ireland. This is quite remarkable, as the Spanish supply has maintained itself better than the average in Europe. In the first ten months of 2024, Spanish beef production decreased by 2.2%, compared to an average decline in Europe of 10.7%, according to data from Eurostat. The increase can partly be attributed to Christmas. Across Europe, preparations are being made for Christmas, during which beef is always popular. In Southern Europe, the quality of red meat is even more highly valued during this period. Additionally, parts that are popular in these countries are suddenly consumed in the rest of Europe. Outside of the holiday season, it is very unusual for butchers to advertise with tenderloin or sirloin steaks from beef cattle, but at this time of year, this is even seen in a country like the Netherlands. This also affects the beef price in countries like Spain. Furthermore, there are reports in the market that imports to North Africa are increasing again. At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, drought in countries like Morocco and Algeria led to significant additional export demand in Southern Europe. This was particularly noticeable in Spain. Towards spring, exports fell again after substantial quantities of live cattle had been imported from Southern Europe and South America. However, there are signals among beef traders that this export route is again very active.