The Netherlands and Ireland remain the main outliers in the EU beef market

The European market is showing similar trends to those seen in recent weeks. Most of the European cattle markets remain tight, despite low demand. The Netherlands and Ireland remain the main exceptions. However, the reasons for the lower prices differ considerably.The European beef market is still quite inconsistent. Market participants report that front quarter meat is still selling particularly badly. Meanwhile hind quarter meat has been seeing a bit of a mixed performance. After Easter the demand for steak parts often softens a bit, but on the other hand at this time of the year the barbecue season is starting to get close and preparations start. This year the weather is pretty good, so the market is optimistic that barbecue demand will be strong.In France, where the government collects detailed price data for specific cuts, ribeye steak prices clearly declined due to lower Easter demand. Prices fell by 8.25%, from €20.00 to €18.35. In contrast, tenderloin prices increased by 2.5%, rising from €24.15 to €24.75.EU prices continue to decline In the EU, weak demand for beef is becoming increasingly visible in Eurostat data. In week 14, prices dropped sharply from €727.16 per 100 kg to €714.03. Over a longer period, prices have been gradually declining. In week 5, the average carcass price for R-quality in the European Union peaked at €740.01. Since then, prices have fallen by 3.6% to €712.91.Price pressure is particularly evident in countries such as France, Germany, and especially Ireland. Irish prices are significantly below the European average, at €654.97 per 100 kg. German prices have also fallen below the EU average, reaching €711.12 per 100 kg. Both prices appear to remain unchanged in week 15, but in reality this reflects a quirk in the European reporting system: when data is missing, the previous week’s price is used as a placeholder until updated figures become available.Cattle market retains the same patternIn Northern Europe, cattle market trends remain negative, although the declines have started to soften. According to the Vee & Logistiek Dutch trader quotations, prices have decreased by 5 cents across all categories. Meanwhile, prices on local cattle markets have declined slightly more, indicating a relatively oversupplied market. Cattle markets tend to benefit when the market is tight, but lose momentum when supply is strong. If the pattern of recent weeks continues and cattle markets remain indicative, Vee & Logistiek prices are likely to decline again next week.However, prices are expected to fall less sharply than local cattle market signals currently suggest. This pattern of a significant decline remains somewhat atypical for Europe, although some pressure is becoming visible. Once again, German prices for O-quality cattle remain stable. Prices for R-quality young bulls, however, have once again declined by 10 cents.In the Netherlands, the market continues to move in the opposite direction. This is mainly due to a high number of dairy cows being sold to slaughterhouses. In week 14, for the third consecutive week, the cattle slaughter rate was considerably higher than in previous years. Compared to 2025, the cow slaughter rate increased by 16.1%. The slaughter rate is expected to decline soon. As dairy cows leave the barns and are put out to pasture, fewer animals are expected to be sold for meat.Irish market remains weak Another exception is the Irish market. Prices across all categories have declined, except for steer prices. In particular, bull prices have dropped sharply, falling by 68 cents in just one week, indicating strong downward pressure on the market. Meanwhile, slaughter rates are just above the 30,000 head mark, at 30,512 cattle. One year ago, the slaughter rate was 16.35% higher, at 35,500 cattle. The weak Irish market is also playing a role. The United Kingdom continues to buy at low levels, causing prices to decline further. Prices are not yet at a level where continental Europe can fill the gap left by the United Kingdom. Up-to-date export data is not yet available, but in January, as a result of this trend, total Irish beef exports declined by 7.54% compared to 2025. Exports fell to 61,429 tonnes.