Global Meat Prices Fell Last Month

An index of worldwide meat prices slipped in December — with declines in all major meat animal categories — after rising for most of 2025.

The Food Price Index of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), showed a 1.3% decline in meat prices last month, as the index dipped 1.7 points from November to finish the year at a level of 123.6 points in the index. For the year, the FAO Meat Price Index, one of five components in the overall index, was 3.4%, or 4.1 points, higher than a year ago, finishing at 123.6.

The Meat Price Index for all of last year averaged 123.2 points, 5.1%, or 6 points, higher than 2024, amid “firm” global demand, animal disease issues and trade tensions. Beef and sheep prices led the index higher for the year, as global demand was persistent despite supply constraints. Pork prices fell, and while poultry was slightly lower amid strong production.

Bovine meat and poultry saw the sharpest drops in December. Ranchers culling in response to drought in Australia flooded the slaughter market for beef. “International poultry meat quotations declined, as ample exportable supplies outweighed global import demand,” according to FAO’s analysis.

Pork prices were marginally lower, as soft global demand left high supplies in Europe. Sheepmeat prices were slightly lower as slaughter hit seasonal peaks.