The global meat market is experiencing unprecedented price increases, which have already led to a meat crisis in Ukraine. Record demand for beef in the USA and China, combined with a reduction in livestock numbers in key producing countries, is pushing prices to new highs.
This is reported by Finway
Global Factors Driving Meat Price Increases
The primary driver of the price increase is beef. Despite high prices, demand for this type of meat remains consistently strong in the USA. China, in turn, is ramping up imports, particularly purchasing large volumes of product from Brazil. Australia is also taking advantage of the situation, raising prices for its own products. This activity by two leading economies is leading to a meat shortage in the global market and pushing the overall price index upward.
In addition to demand, the situation is significantly affected by the reduction in livestock numbers. In America, it has reached its lowest level in the last decade, while in Brazil, climate change and unstable weather complicate the situation. Farmers are facing droughts and diseases, which limit meat production.
An important factor is the connection to the dairy industry. With the rising prices of butter and cheese, farmers are prioritizing milk production over meat, further reducing the supply of beef and provoking further price increases.
“The price index is already breaking records, and in many countries, meat is becoming one of the main factors of inflation. In the United Kingdom, for example, in July 2025, the cost of beef and veal was nearly a quarter higher than a year ago. A similar picture is observed in other states where meat is a key element of the population’s diet.”
The rising cost of meat not only affects the consumer basket but also poses a serious political challenge, as rising food prices directly impact the standard of living and create social tension.
The Meat Crisis in Ukraine: Rapid Price Increase for Chicken
Against the backdrop of global trends, Ukraine is facing a particularly acute problem with the rising cost of chicken, which has traditionally been the most affordable type of meat for Ukrainians. Since January 2025, the average price per kilogram of chicken fillet has risen from 172 to 239 hryvnias in September, representing a 39% increase in less than a year. In some cases, the price of chicken has already equaled or even exceeded the price of pork—a phenomenon that until recently seemed impossible.
Prices in various retail chains range from 225 to 245 hryvnias per kilogram. Even promotional offers in supermarkets do not change the overall trend: chicken prices are increasing month by month.
The key reasons for this spike include high production costs, rising prices for feed, fuel, and electricity, as well as a reduction in poultry numbers due to the war and occupation of parts of the territory. Producers are increasingly facing difficulties in maintaining stable prices, which further drives up the cost of products.