GITNUXREPORT 2026

Supply Chain In The Beef Industry Statistics

Despite high demand, global beef supply remains strained due to herd shortages and drought.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 27, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

In 2022, U.S. beef production reached 27.2 billion pounds, a 1.2% increase from 2021 driven by heavier slaughter weights

Statistic 2

Global beef production in 2023 was estimated at 61.3 million metric tons carcass weight equivalent, led by Brazil and the US

Statistic 3

U.S. cattle inventory stood at 87.2 million head on January 1, 2023, the lowest since 1951

Statistic 4

Brazil produced 10.3 million metric tons of beef in 2022, accounting for 16.8% of global output

Statistic 5

Average U.S. fed steer marketed weight was 1,458 pounds in 2022, up 22 pounds from 2021

Statistic 6

Australia exported 1.2 million metric tons of beef in 2022-23, with 70% going to Asia

Statistic 7

U.S. calf crop in 2022 was 33.4 million head, down 1% from prior year due to drought

Statistic 8

India holds 303 million cattle head, but produces minimal beef due to cultural factors, focusing on buffalo meat

Statistic 9

EU beef production in 2022 was 7.8 million tons, with Ireland as top producer at 0.7 million tons

Statistic 10

U.S. beef cow inventory fell to 28.9 million head in 2023, reflecting herd liquidation

Statistic 11

Argentina's beef production hit 3.1 million tons in 2022 despite export restrictions

Statistic 12

Canadian cattle herd was 11.9 million head in 2022, down 2% year-over-year

Statistic 13

U.S. heifer replacements totaled 5.7 million head in 2022, insufficient for herd expansion

Statistic 14

China imported 2.1 million tons of beef in 2022, boosting global demand

Statistic 15

U.S. feedlot inventory was 14.2 million head in late 2022, near record highs

Statistic 16

Mexico produced 2.0 million tons of beef in 2022, with strong US export ties

Statistic 17

New Zealand beef production was 0.65 million tons in 2022-23, grass-fed dominant

Statistic 18

U.S. steer and heifer slaughter averaged 32.5 million head annually 2020-2022

Statistic 19

Russia beef production reached 1.3 million tons in 2022 amid import substitution

Statistic 20

U.S. other cattle slaughter (cow/calf) was 3.1 million head monthly average in 2022

Statistic 21

U.S. beef retail prices averaged $7.25/lb in 2022, up 8% YoY

Statistic 22

Global beef exports reached 12.5 million tons in 2022, valued at $70 billion

Statistic 23

U.S. per capita beef consumption was 57.8 lbs in 2022, down from 88 lbs in 1976

Statistic 24

Brazil's beef export value hit $11.5 billion in 2022, to 140 countries

Statistic 25

U.S. beef exports were 1.5 million tons in 2022, 11% of production

Statistic 26

EU retail beef sales volume fell 3% to 6.5 million tons in 2022

Statistic 27

Australia beef export value $10.2 billion AUD in 2022-23

Statistic 28

U.S. ground beef sales 40% of retail beef, averaging $4.50/lb in 2022

Statistic 29

China's beef imports $12 billion in 2022, 55% from Brazil/Australia

Statistic 30

Canadian beef exports 0.45 million tons, 75% to U.S. in 2022

Statistic 31

Argentina domestic beef consumption 52 kg/capita in 2022, highest globally

Statistic 32

U.S. foodservice beef sales recovered to 45% of volume in 2022 post-COVID

Statistic 33

Mexico beef exports to U.S. $2.8 billion in 2022

Statistic 34

New Zealand beef sold 95% exported, premium grass-fed niche $4 billion NZD

Statistic 35

Global beef wholesale prices rose 20% in 2022 due to supply constraints

Statistic 36

U.S. Choice beef cutout value averaged $250/cwt in 2022

Statistic 37

Russia beef market domestic sales 2.5 million tons, imports down 15%

Statistic 38

U.S. commercial cattle slaughter totaled 32.8 million head in 2022

Statistic 39

Top four U.S. beef packers (Tyson, Cargill, JBS, National) controlled 85% of processing in 2022

Statistic 40

Average U.S. beef carcass weight was 904 pounds in 2022, up 3% from 2019

Statistic 41

Brazil slaughtered 39.5 million head of cattle in 2022, producing 10 million tons beef

Statistic 42

U.S. beef processing capacity utilization was 92% in 2022, recovering from COVID disruptions

Statistic 43

EU processed 34 million head in 2022, with 70% male cattle

Statistic 44

JBS USA processed 22% of U.S. beef in 2021, per USDA Packers and Stockyards data

Statistic 45

Australia slaughtered 7.8 million cattle in 2022-23, down 12% due to dry conditions

Statistic 46

U.S. cow slaughter rose 7% to 3.2 million head in 2022 amid herd reduction

Statistic 47

Canada's beef processing output was 1.4 million tons in 2022

Statistic 48

Average U.S. weekly fed cattle slaughter was 651,000 head in 2022

Statistic 49

Argentina processed 13.5 million head in 2022, focusing on high-quality cuts

Statistic 50

U.S. beef yield per head was 645 pounds in 2022, up from 600 in 2012

Statistic 51

Mexico's slaughter volume was 11.2 million head in 2022

Statistic 52

Tyson Foods operated 15 beef plants processing 6,000 head/hour capacity in 2022

Statistic 53

Global beef processing labor shortages led to 10% capacity cuts in 2022

Statistic 54

New Zealand processed 4.2 million head in 2022-23, 80% for export

Statistic 55

U.S. beef grading: 81% Choice or Prime in 2022, record high marbling

Statistic 56

Russia increased slaughter to 10 million head in 2022 for domestic supply

Statistic 57

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from beef supply chain 2.6% of national total in 2021

Statistic 58

Global beef production methane emissions 14.5% of livestock total, 99% enteric

Statistic 59

U.S. beef industry water use 15 trillion gallons annually, 47% for feed crops

Statistic 60

Brazil beef deforestation link: 80% Amazon cattle expansion drove 20% forest loss 2010-2020

Statistic 61

U.S. beef carbon footprint 25 kg CO2e/kg retail beef, down 10% since 2010

Statistic 62

EU beef GHG emissions per kg fell 19% 2010-2020 via efficiency gains

Statistic 63

Australian beef net emissions intensity 21 kg CO2e/kg, grass-fed advantage

Statistic 64

Global beef land use 2.5 billion hectares, 60% pastures

Statistic 65

U.S. feedlot manure management captures 70% nitrogen, reducing runoff 40%

Statistic 66

Canada beef water footprint 15,300 liters/kg, 94% green water from rain

Statistic 67

Argentina beef antibiotics use down 30% 2015-2022 via stewardship

Statistic 68

U.S. beef regenerative grazing sequesters 1 ton CO2/ha/year on 20% rangeland

Statistic 69

Mexico beef supply chain energy use 5% fossil fuels shift to renewables

Statistic 70

New Zealand beef 90% grass-fed, 50% lower emissions than grain-fed

Statistic 71

Global beef waste in supply chain 20%, 10 million tons annually

Statistic 72

U.S. beef packaging recyclability 85% improved 2015-2022

Statistic 73

Russia beef feed efficiency improved 15% reducing land needs

Statistic 74

U.S. interstate beef shipments by truck totaled 5.2 billion miles in 2021

Statistic 75

Brazil exported 2.6 million tons beef via 15 major ports in 2022

Statistic 76

U.S. rail transport of live cattle averaged 1.2 million head annually pre-2020, now minimal

Statistic 77

Global refrigerated container shipments of beef grew 15% to 1.8 million TEU in 2022

Statistic 78

Australian beef exports by sea reached 1.1 million tons in 2022-23, 60% frozen

Statistic 79

U.S. truckload beef shipments averaged 1,500 lbs per load, 85% refrigerated in 2022

Statistic 80

EU beef intra-trade by road was 1.2 million tons in 2022

Statistic 81

Canada-U.S. beef trade crossed border 500,000 truckloads in 2022

Statistic 82

Argentina shipped 800,000 tons beef by vessel to China in 2022

Statistic 83

U.S. air freight for premium beef cuts was 50,000 tons in 2022, mostly to Japan

Statistic 84

Mexico exported 450,000 tons beef to U.S. via 1,200 refrigerated trucks weekly

Statistic 85

New Zealand chilled beef air-shipped 20,000 tons to U.S. in 2022

Statistic 86

Global beef cold chain logistics costs 15-20% of value, per FAO 2022 report

Statistic 87

U.S. beef warehouse storage capacity was 1.2 billion lbs frozen in 2022

Statistic 88

Russia exported 500,000 tons beef by rail to Asia in 2022

Statistic 89

China imported 1.4 million tons beef via 45 major ports in 2022

1/89

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

While the U.S. cattle herd hits a 72-year low, a complex global network works overtime to keep steaks on our plates, balancing record production weights against climate pressures and shifting demand.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, U.S. beef production reached 27.2 billion pounds, a 1.2% increase from 2021 driven by heavier slaughter weights
Global beef production in 2023 was estimated at 61.3 million metric tons carcass weight equivalent, led by Brazil and the US
U.S. cattle inventory stood at 87.2 million head on January 1, 2023, the lowest since 1951
U.S. commercial cattle slaughter totaled 32.8 million head in 2022
Top four U.S. beef packers (Tyson, Cargill, JBS, National) controlled 85% of processing in 2022
Average U.S. beef carcass weight was 904 pounds in 2022, up 3% from 2019
U.S. interstate beef shipments by truck totaled 5.2 billion miles in 2021
Brazil exported 2.6 million tons beef via 15 major ports in 2022
U.S. rail transport of live cattle averaged 1.2 million head annually pre-2020, now minimal
U.S. beef retail prices averaged $7.25/lb in 2022, up 8% YoY
Global beef exports reached 12.5 million tons in 2022, valued at $70 billion
U.S. per capita beef consumption was 57.8 lbs in 2022, down from 88 lbs in 1976
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from beef supply chain 2.6% of national total in 2021
Global beef production methane emissions 14.5% of livestock total, 99% enteric
U.S. beef industry water use 15 trillion gallons annually, 47% for feed crops

Despite high demand, global beef supply remains strained due to herd shortages and drought.

Cattle Production

In 2022, U.S. beef production reached 27.2 billion pounds, a 1.2% increase from 2021 driven by heavier slaughter weights
Global beef production in 2023 was estimated at 61.3 million metric tons carcass weight equivalent, led by Brazil and the US
U.S. cattle inventory stood at 87.2 million head on January 1, 2023, the lowest since 1951
Brazil produced 10.3 million metric tons of beef in 2022, accounting for 16.8% of global output
Average U.S. fed steer marketed weight was 1,458 pounds in 2022, up 22 pounds from 2021
Australia exported 1.2 million metric tons of beef in 2022-23, with 70% going to Asia
U.S. calf crop in 2022 was 33.4 million head, down 1% from prior year due to drought
India holds 303 million cattle head, but produces minimal beef due to cultural factors, focusing on buffalo meat
EU beef production in 2022 was 7.8 million tons, with Ireland as top producer at 0.7 million tons
U.S. beef cow inventory fell to 28.9 million head in 2023, reflecting herd liquidation
Argentina's beef production hit 3.1 million tons in 2022 despite export restrictions
Canadian cattle herd was 11.9 million head in 2022, down 2% year-over-year
U.S. heifer replacements totaled 5.7 million head in 2022, insufficient for herd expansion
China imported 2.1 million tons of beef in 2022, boosting global demand
U.S. feedlot inventory was 14.2 million head in late 2022, near record highs
Mexico produced 2.0 million tons of beef in 2022, with strong US export ties
New Zealand beef production was 0.65 million tons in 2022-23, grass-fed dominant
U.S. steer and heifer slaughter averaged 32.5 million head annually 2020-2022
Russia beef production reached 1.3 million tons in 2022 amid import substitution
U.S. other cattle slaughter (cow/calf) was 3.1 million head monthly average in 2022

Cattle Production Interpretation

The global beef industry is a study in stark contrasts, where America's massive, but shrinking, herds of ever-heavier cattle meet soaring Chinese demand, while Brazil capitalizes on its vast pastures and India's sacred cows simply watch the market go by.

Market and Sales

U.S. beef retail prices averaged $7.25/lb in 2022, up 8% YoY
Global beef exports reached 12.5 million tons in 2022, valued at $70 billion
U.S. per capita beef consumption was 57.8 lbs in 2022, down from 88 lbs in 1976
Brazil's beef export value hit $11.5 billion in 2022, to 140 countries
U.S. beef exports were 1.5 million tons in 2022, 11% of production
EU retail beef sales volume fell 3% to 6.5 million tons in 2022
Australia beef export value $10.2 billion AUD in 2022-23
U.S. ground beef sales 40% of retail beef, averaging $4.50/lb in 2022
China's beef imports $12 billion in 2022, 55% from Brazil/Australia
Canadian beef exports 0.45 million tons, 75% to U.S. in 2022
Argentina domestic beef consumption 52 kg/capita in 2022, highest globally
U.S. foodservice beef sales recovered to 45% of volume in 2022 post-COVID
Mexico beef exports to U.S. $2.8 billion in 2022
New Zealand beef sold 95% exported, premium grass-fed niche $4 billion NZD
Global beef wholesale prices rose 20% in 2022 due to supply constraints
U.S. Choice beef cutout value averaged $250/cwt in 2022
Russia beef market domestic sales 2.5 million tons, imports down 15%

Market and Sales Interpretation

While Americans are paying more to eat less beef at home, the global market is carving it up with gusto, proving that even as our plates get lighter, the business of beef remains a heavyweight affair.

Slaughter and Processing

U.S. commercial cattle slaughter totaled 32.8 million head in 2022
Top four U.S. beef packers (Tyson, Cargill, JBS, National) controlled 85% of processing in 2022
Average U.S. beef carcass weight was 904 pounds in 2022, up 3% from 2019
Brazil slaughtered 39.5 million head of cattle in 2022, producing 10 million tons beef
U.S. beef processing capacity utilization was 92% in 2022, recovering from COVID disruptions
EU processed 34 million head in 2022, with 70% male cattle
JBS USA processed 22% of U.S. beef in 2021, per USDA Packers and Stockyards data
Australia slaughtered 7.8 million cattle in 2022-23, down 12% due to dry conditions
U.S. cow slaughter rose 7% to 3.2 million head in 2022 amid herd reduction
Canada's beef processing output was 1.4 million tons in 2022
Average U.S. weekly fed cattle slaughter was 651,000 head in 2022
Argentina processed 13.5 million head in 2022, focusing on high-quality cuts
U.S. beef yield per head was 645 pounds in 2022, up from 600 in 2012
Mexico's slaughter volume was 11.2 million head in 2022
Tyson Foods operated 15 beef plants processing 6,000 head/hour capacity in 2022
Global beef processing labor shortages led to 10% capacity cuts in 2022
New Zealand processed 4.2 million head in 2022-23, 80% for export
U.S. beef grading: 81% Choice or Prime in 2022, record high marbling
Russia increased slaughter to 10 million head in 2022 for domestic supply

Slaughter and Processing Interpretation

While the U.S. beef industry is a masterclass in efficient, top-heavy production—processing over 32 million head at a near-capacity 92% rate to yield record-marbled, 900-pound carcasses—it's a global herd where Brazil's sheer volume, Australia's drought-driven declines, and Russia's inward pivot remind us that this tightly consolidated supply chain is perpetually grazing on a razor's edge of climate, geopolitics, and labor.

Sustainability and Environment

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from beef supply chain 2.6% of national total in 2021
Global beef production methane emissions 14.5% of livestock total, 99% enteric
U.S. beef industry water use 15 trillion gallons annually, 47% for feed crops
Brazil beef deforestation link: 80% Amazon cattle expansion drove 20% forest loss 2010-2020
U.S. beef carbon footprint 25 kg CO2e/kg retail beef, down 10% since 2010
EU beef GHG emissions per kg fell 19% 2010-2020 via efficiency gains
Australian beef net emissions intensity 21 kg CO2e/kg, grass-fed advantage
Global beef land use 2.5 billion hectares, 60% pastures
U.S. feedlot manure management captures 70% nitrogen, reducing runoff 40%
Canada beef water footprint 15,300 liters/kg, 94% green water from rain
Argentina beef antibiotics use down 30% 2015-2022 via stewardship
U.S. beef regenerative grazing sequesters 1 ton CO2/ha/year on 20% rangeland
Mexico beef supply chain energy use 5% fossil fuels shift to renewables
New Zealand beef 90% grass-fed, 50% lower emissions than grain-fed
Global beef waste in supply chain 20%, 10 million tons annually
U.S. beef packaging recyclability 85% improved 2015-2022
Russia beef feed efficiency improved 15% reducing land needs

Sustainability and Environment Interpretation

While the beef industry's environmental hoofprint is undeniably heavy, these numbers reveal a herd of complex truths: it's a voracious consumer of land and water with a methane-rich core, yet it's also galloping—albeit unevenly—toward efficiency, with pockets of innovation in manure management, regenerative grazing, and smarter farming chipping away at its colossal impact.

Transportation and Logistics

U.S. interstate beef shipments by truck totaled 5.2 billion miles in 2021
Brazil exported 2.6 million tons beef via 15 major ports in 2022
U.S. rail transport of live cattle averaged 1.2 million head annually pre-2020, now minimal
Global refrigerated container shipments of beef grew 15% to 1.8 million TEU in 2022
Australian beef exports by sea reached 1.1 million tons in 2022-23, 60% frozen
U.S. truckload beef shipments averaged 1,500 lbs per load, 85% refrigerated in 2022
EU beef intra-trade by road was 1.2 million tons in 2022
Canada-U.S. beef trade crossed border 500,000 truckloads in 2022
Argentina shipped 800,000 tons beef by vessel to China in 2022
U.S. air freight for premium beef cuts was 50,000 tons in 2022, mostly to Japan
Mexico exported 450,000 tons beef to U.S. via 1,200 refrigerated trucks weekly
New Zealand chilled beef air-shipped 20,000 tons to U.S. in 2022
Global beef cold chain logistics costs 15-20% of value, per FAO 2022 report
U.S. beef warehouse storage capacity was 1.2 billion lbs frozen in 2022
Russia exported 500,000 tons beef by rail to Asia in 2022
China imported 1.4 million tons beef via 45 major ports in 2022

Transportation and Logistics Interpretation

The sprawling, frost-kissed arteries of the global beef trade reveal a world where staggering distances are conquered daily, from America's five-billion-mile truck odyssey to Brazil's port-fed exports, yet this intricate dance of refrigerated containers, railcars, and air freight comes at a premium, with the cold chain itself consuming up to a fifth of the product's value.