European meat imports: external dependence is becoming stronger – Hungary remains a stable exporter

However, opposite processes are taking place in the European Union: poultry meat exports are decreasing, while imports are increasing significantly. The EU is increasingly relying on Brazil, Ukraine and Thailand, indicating growing external exposure.

Hungary’s position in the poultry market has strengthened

According to the Central Statistical Office, in the first three quarters of 2025:

• Poultry meat exports: +2% (over 163 thousand tons)
  — of which chicken meat +11%

• Imports: over −13%
  — especially turkey meat imports fell

A restructuring in production is observed: the chicken sector is strengthening, the volume of duck slaughter has significantly decreased.

Prices continue to rise:

</p data-start=”1182″ data-end=”1306″>In the case of processed products, an even greater increase in price is seen: the price of chicken breast fillet +14%, bone-in chicken breast +9%.

Lamb meat: rising prices despite falling production

The sheep and lamb sector is expanding modestly worldwide, and international trade may also slow down (-2%). In Europe, on the other hand, imports have increased significantly, mainly from New Zealand and the United Kingdom. EU prices rose sharply:

• Light lamb +11%

• Heavy lamb +15.6%

In Hungary:

• Number of sheep slaughtered: −24%

• Live lamb export volume: −8%

• Prices: +6–8%
   Light lamb: 2036 HUF/kg
   Heavy lamb: 1891 HUF/kg

However, the export value increased, which is due to higher prices.