From farms to freezers, the staggering scale of our global appetite for meat unfolds in numbers, revealing a 367-million-metric-ton industry that sits at a powerful crossroads of culture, commerce, and climate.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, global meat production reached 367 million metric tons, with poultry accounting for 137 million metric tons, pork for 114 million metric tons, and beef for 60 million metric tons
- Poultry meat production grew by 2.5% annually from 2018 to 2022, reaching 137 million tonnes globally, driven by demand in Asia
- China produced 56 million tonnes of pork in 2022, representing 49% of global pork production
- The global meat market size was valued at USD 1.35 trillion in 2023, projected to reach USD 1.75 trillion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.8%
- Poultry segment dominated the global meat market with 41% revenue share in 2023, valued at over USD 550 billion
- Processed meat market reached USD 450 billion globally in 2022, growing at 4.2% CAGR to 2030
- Global meat consumption averaged 43.2 kg per capita in 2021, projected 45.5 kg by 2030
- Poultry meat consumption reached 15 kg per capita globally in 2022, up from 14.5 kg in 2018
- Pork consumption was 12.3 kg per capita worldwide in 2022, China at 30 kg leading
- Global meat trade volume reached 45 million tonnes in 2022, valued at USD 250 billion
- Brazil exported 2.7 million tonnes beef in 2022, 20% of global beef trade, USD 11 billion
- US poultry exports hit 4.2 million tonnes in 2022, USD 6 billion, Mexico top destination
- Livestock industry contributes 14.5% of global GHG emissions, equivalent to 7.1 Gt CO2-eq annually
- Beef production emits 99 kg CO2-eq per kg meat, vs poultry 6.9 kg, cattle 60% of livestock emissions
- Global meat production uses 77% of agricultural land, 29% total land, for feed/forage
The global meat industry is massive, dominated by poultry and pork, and growing steadily.
Consumption
- Global meat consumption averaged 43.2 kg per capita in 2021, projected 45.5 kg by 2030
- Poultry meat consumption reached 15 kg per capita globally in 2022, up from 14.5 kg in 2018
- Pork consumption was 12.3 kg per capita worldwide in 2022, China at 30 kg leading
- Beef consumption averaged 6.4 kg per capita in 2022, highest in Argentina at 50 kg
- US per capita meat consumption was 124 kg in 2022, chicken 50 kg dominant
- China meat consumption totaled 1.5 kg per capita monthly in urban areas 2022
- EU average meat consumption 80 kg per capita in 2022, down 10% since 2000
- Brazil per capita meat consumption 95 kg in 2022, beef 40 kg
- India per capita meat consumption only 4.5 kg in 2022, poultry 3 kg
- Russia meat consumption per capita 75 kg in 2022, poultry 28 kg
- Global sheep/goat meat consumption 2.1 kg per capita in 2022
- Japan pork consumption per capita 25 kg in 2022
- Australia per capita consumption 110 kg meat in 2022, beef 35 kg
- Mexico chicken consumption 35 kg per capita in 2022
- Vietnam pork consumption recovered to 25 kg per capita in 2022 post-ASF
- Saudi Arabia per capita poultry consumption 45 kg in 2022, highest globally
- Urban China meat consumption 60 kg per capita annually in 2022 vs rural 40 kg
- Global processed meat consumption 20 kg per capita equivalent in 2022
- Youth (18-34) in US consume 10% more meat than average, 130 kg per capita 2022
- Women globally consume 15% less red meat than men, averaging 5.5 kg beef/year 2022
- Africa per capita meat consumption 10 kg in 2022, projected 15 kg by 2050
- Thailand per capita consumption 30 kg poultry + pork in 2022
- Elderly (65+) EU meat consumption down 20% to 70 kg per capita 2022
- Global vegetarian population 8% or 600 million, reducing meat demand by 5% equivalent 2022
- Muslim countries meat consumption skewed to halal, 25% global total 15 kg avg per capita 2022
- Fast food meat consumption accounts for 30% of US intake, 40 kg per capita 2022
- Global meat demand projected up 15% to 570 million tonnes by 2050, per capita +14%
Consumption Interpretation
The global appetite for meat marches onward, with projections showing we're all getting a heavier plate, yet the feast is wildly uneven—from America’s chicken-driven excess to India’s sparse diet—painting a portrait of deep inequality and environmental strain wrapped in the familiar scent of dinner.
Employment
- Global meat industry employs 1.3 billion people directly/indirectly, 20% agricultural workforce
- Meat sector generates USD 1.3 trillion annual economic value, 1% global GDP equivalent 2022
- Brazil meat exports support 2.2 million jobs, USD 14 billion revenue 2022
- US meatpacking employs 600,000, contributes USD 300 billion to economy annually
- China pork industry supports 40 million farmers, USD 200 billion value 2022
- Global meat processing workforce 10 million, labor-intensive in developing nations
- EU meat sector 4.5 million jobs, 1.8% employment, EUR 170 billion turnover 2022
- India poultry employs 3 million, growing 10% yearly, USD 20 billion sector
- Australian red meat industry 200,000 jobs, exports AUD 15 billion 2022
- Mexico meat processing 500,000 jobs, poultry dominant
- Russia self-sufficiency in meat creates 1 million jobs post-sanctions 2022
- Thailand poultry exports employ 0.5 million, USD 3 billion
- Vietnam pork recovery post-ASF created 1 million farm jobs 2022
- Global meat supply chain multiplier effect 2.5x GDP contribution per direct job
- Women comprise 40% meat processing workforce in developing countries, often informal
- US rural areas 50% jobs from meat/ag, 1 in 7 employed
- Africa meat sector informal jobs 20 million, poverty alleviation key
- Pandemic meat plant closures cost 100,000 US jobs temporarily 2020-2022 recovery
- Meat tech/automation to displace 20% jobs by 2030, AI in processing
- Halal meat certification supports 10 million jobs in OIC countries
- Plant-based shift risks 2 million meat jobs by 2040 unless transition
Employment Interpretation
The global meat industry is a colossal, job-hungry economic engine that nourishes billions and anchors entire communities, yet it stands on a precarious butcher block where its immense human footprint now faces the twin cleavers of automation and dietary change.
Environmental
- Livestock industry contributes 14.5% of global GHG emissions, equivalent to 7.1 Gt CO2-eq annually
- Beef production emits 99 kg CO2-eq per kg meat, vs poultry 6.9 kg, cattle 60% of livestock emissions
- Global meat production uses 77% of agricultural land, 29% total land, for feed/forage
- Livestock accounts for 65% of world's nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture, 5% total GHG
- Meat industry water footprint 15,000 liters per kg beef, global total 4,500 km³/year
- Deforestation for beef in Amazon 80% of losses, 20,000 km²/year Brazil 2010-2022 avg
- Poultry manure produces 8% global ammonia emissions, 370 Mt NH3/year from livestock
- Global feed production for meat uses 1.6 billion tonnes grains/year, 36% crop calories
- Methane from enteric fermentation 32% livestock GHG, 2.6 Gt CO2-eq/year mostly ruminants
- US meat production responsible for 5% national GHG, 500 Mt CO2-eq 2022
- Brazil agribusiness (meat key) 70% GHG emissions, deforestation driver
- Global biodiversity loss linked to meat, 83% threatened species impacted by ag expansion
- Antibiotic use in livestock 73% global total, 128,000 tonnes/year meat-related
- Manure pollution causes 20% world's ocean dead zones, livestock runoff key
- EU livestock 10% GHG emissions, 600 Mt CO2-eq, methane 40% share
- China meat production water use 20% national total, pollution from 14 billion pigs/poultry
- Global meat linked to 20% N-pollution in rivers, eutrophication driver
- Pasture expansion causes 70% tropical deforestation, meat grazing primary
- Livestock transport emits 0.5 Gt CO2-eq/year globally, 5% sector total
- Feed crop monocultures use 25% global pesticides, meat chain indirect
- Ocean fishing for meat substitutes (fishmeal) depletes 30% small fish stocks for feed
- US CAFOs pollute 35,000 km waterways with manure annually
- Global meat GHG projected +30% by 2050 without mitigation, to 9 Gt CO2-eq
- Poultry farming uses 10% global soy, deforestation link 5,000 km²/year
- Processed meat nitrates contribute 10% dietary GHG via energy use
- Livestock 80% phosphorus pollution to soils/water from manure
- Meat cooling/refrigeration 7% food chain energy, 1 Gt CO2-eq global
- Factory farms emit 50% US methane from manure, 100 Mt/year
Environmental Interpretation
While a perfectly cooked steak might be a fleeting delight, the permanent recipe required to produce it—a staggering concoction of razed forests, greenhouse gases, water waste, and oceanic dead zones—serves as a sobering garnish for our global diet.
Market Value
- The global meat market size was valued at USD 1.35 trillion in 2023, projected to reach USD 1.75 trillion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.8%
- Poultry segment dominated the global meat market with 41% revenue share in 2023, valued at over USD 550 billion
- Processed meat market reached USD 450 billion globally in 2022, growing at 4.2% CAGR to 2030
- Beef market size was USD 385 billion in 2022, expected to grow to USD 510 billion by 2030
- Pork market valued at USD 280 billion in 2023, with Asia-Pacific holding 60% share
- Global fresh meat market size stood at USD 900 billion in 2022, CAGR 3.5% forecast to 2030
- Plant-based meat alternatives market hit USD 8 billion in 2022, projected USD 30 billion by 2030, impacting traditional meat at 1% substitution
- US meat market revenue was USD 250 billion in 2023, with beef at 35% share
- China's meat market size exceeded USD 400 billion in 2022, pork dominant at 50%
- EU meat market valued at EUR 200 billion in 2022, poultry growing fastest
- Brazil meat export market revenue USD 15 billion in 2022 from 2.5 million tonnes beef/poultry
- Global halal meat market reached USD 2.3 trillion in 2023, meat segment USD 1.8 trillion
- Organic meat market size USD 20 billion in 2022, CAGR 9% to USD 50 billion by 2030
- Ready-to-cook meat products market USD 150 billion in 2023, Asia leading growth
- Global meat snacks market valued at USD 8.5 billion in 2022, projected USD 12 billion by 2028
- Pet meat market (for pet food) USD 100 billion in 2023, tied to human meat industry supply
- India meat market USD 50 billion in 2022, poultry 60% share
- Russia meat market USD 30 billion in 2022, self-sufficiency 90% in poultry
- Global meat packaging market USD 25 billion in 2023, driven by vacuum tech for extension
- Saudi Arabia meat market USD 10 billion import value in 2022, 80% poultry
- Vietnam meat market grew to USD 15 billion in 2022, pork recovery key
- Australia meat market USD 20 billion domestic + exports in 2022
- Mexico meat consumption market USD 25 billion in 2022, poultry dominant
- Turkey meat market USD 12 billion in 2022, exports boosting value
- Global meat market CAGR projected 4.5% 2023-2030, reaching USD 1.6 trillion
- Per capita meat spending globally averaged USD 150 in 2022, highest in US at USD 500+
Market Value Interpretation
Despite a global appetite large enough to send us into a cholesterol-fueled orbit around the sun, with poultry reigning supreme on a throne of 550 billion golden nuggets, the relentless growth of this trillion-dollar industry remains, for now, only mildly ruffled by the earnest but comparatively microscopic rise of plant-based alternatives.
Production
- In 2022, global meat production reached 367 million metric tons, with poultry accounting for 137 million metric tons, pork for 114 million metric tons, and beef for 60 million metric tons
- Poultry meat production grew by 2.5% annually from 2018 to 2022, reaching 137 million tonnes globally, driven by demand in Asia
- China produced 56 million tonnes of pork in 2022, representing 49% of global pork production
- Beef production in Brazil reached 10.2 million tonnes in 2022, making it the world's second-largest producer after the US
- Global sheep meat production was 15.6 million tonnes in 2022, with China leading at 4.5 million tonnes
- Turkey meat production worldwide hit 7.2 million tonnes in 2022, up 3% from 2021
- Duck meat production reached 4.8 million tonnes in 2022, primarily from China at 4.2 million tonnes
- Global goat meat production stood at 6.2 million tonnes in 2022, with 55% from Asia
- Horse meat production was 0.4 million tonnes globally in 2022, mostly in Central Asia and Mexico
- Rabbit meat production totaled 1.6 million tonnes in 2022, led by China with 0.8 million tonnes
- Other meat production (game, etc.) reached 2.1 million tonnes in 2022
- US beef production was 12.7 million tonnes in 2022, down 1% from 2021 due to herd liquidation
- EU pork production hit 22.5 million tonnes in 2022
- India produced 4.5 million tonnes of poultry meat in 2022, growing 8% YoY
- Russia produced 4.8 million tonnes of poultry in 2022 despite sanctions
- Global meat production per capita increased to 43.3 kg in 2022 from 42.8 kg in 2021
- Industrial farming accounts for 99% of global chicken production, totaling over 130 million tonnes annually as of 2022
- World's largest pig farm in China produces 1 million pigs yearly, contributing to 10% of national pork output in 2022
- Brazil's poultry production reached 14.9 million tonnes in 2022, exporting 5 million tonnes
- Australia's beef production was 2.3 million tonnes in 2022
- Global meat production is projected to reach 460 million tonnes by 2050, up 14% from 2022
- Poultry production in India expected to grow 7% annually to 2030, reaching 6 million tonnes
- US pork production fell to 11.8 million tonnes in 2022 due to African Swine Fever impacts lingering
- Mexico's poultry production hit 3.7 million tonnes in 2022
- Vietnam pork production recovered to 3.5 million tonnes in 2022 post-ASF
- Global buffalo meat production was 3.8 million tonnes in 2022, led by India
- Argentina beef production at 3.1 million tonnes in 2022
- Thailand poultry production 1.4 million tonnes in 2022
- Global meat production efficiency improved 20% since 2000, yielding 43 kg/capita in 2022
- China’s meat production totaled 88 million tonnes in 2022, 24% of global total
Production Interpretation
The global appetite for meat has us running a planet-sized farm where poultry reigns supreme, pork is overwhelmingly a Chinese affair, and the future looks so dense with livestock that we're essentially engineering a second edible atmosphere.
Trade
- Global meat trade volume reached 45 million tonnes in 2022, valued at USD 250 billion
- Brazil exported 2.7 million tonnes beef in 2022, 20% of global beef trade, USD 11 billion
- US poultry exports hit 4.2 million tonnes in 2022, USD 6 billion, Mexico top destination
- EU pork exports 3.5 million tonnes in 2022, China 50% share
- China imported 5 million tonnes pork in 2022, USD 12 billion post-ASF
- Australia beef exports 1.5 million tonnes in 2022, Japan/US key markets, USD 10 billion
- Netherlands poultry exports 1.1 million tonnes in 2022, top global exporter per capita
- India buffalo meat exports 1.3 million tonnes in 2022, USD 3.2 billion
- Russia wheat-for-meat barter, but poultry exports 0.5 million tonnes 2022 despite sanctions
- Thailand chicken exports 0.3 million tonnes in 2022, Japan top buyer
- Canada pork exports 1.8 million tonnes in 2022, USD 5 billion
- New Zealand lamb exports 0.5 million tonnes in 2022, USD 4 billion, China 40%
- US beef exports 1.4 million tonnes in 2022, Japan 30%
- Argentina beef exports down to 0.8 million tonnes in 2022 due to drought, USD 3 billion
- UAE meat imports USD 8 billion in 2022, 70% poultry
- Philippines pork imports 0.6 million tonnes in 2022, USD 2 billion
- South Korea beef imports 0.4 million tonnes in 2022, Australia/US split, USD 5 billion
- Global halal meat trade USD 200 billion in 2022, growing 6% annually
- Intra-EU meat trade 10 million tonnes in 2022, pork dominant
- Vietnam chicken imports 0.2 million tonnes in 2022 from US/Brazil
- Saudi Arabia poultry imports 1.2 million tonnes in 2022, Brazil 60%
- Global meat trade growth slowed to 2% in 2022 due to Ukraine war
- Brazil total meat exports 2.9 million tonnes protein equivalent 2022, USD 14 billion record
- China soybean imports for meat feed 100 million tonnes 2022, tied to trade
Trade Interpretation
The world's dinner plate is a geopolitical chessboard, where a single drought in Argentina or a virus in China can send billions of dollars' worth of steak, wings, and chops crisscrossing the globe to satisfy our hunger.
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