The meat sector in Latin America presented positive figures for beef, pork, and broiler production in several countries in the region.

The animal production industry has presented ups and downs in 2021 related to the global supply chain, weather conditions, and variations in stock market prices. However, production for the most important types of meat, beef, pork, and chicken, presented positive figures at the end of 2021 in several Latin American countries.

Argentina has been characterized as one of the most important beef producers worldwide whose production has remained constant for two decades. In addition, broiler production has doubled, and pork tripled, showing remarkable growth in recent years.

Argentina produces close to 6 million tons of meat annually, which represents 2.1% of the world’s total, making it the seventh-largest producer.

On the other hand, in Mexico beef production grew by 2.2% in 2021 compared to 2020, with a production of 1.9 million tons. As for broiler, this sector consolidated as the one with the highest production during 2021 by growing by 2.3% compared to 2020, reaching 3.3 million tons of products. Pork in Mexico had a growth of 2.1% during this year compared to the same period in 2020, by producing 1.5 million tons.

Finally, it is noteworthy that Colombia’s livestock had important export figures with 47 377 tons representing a value of USD 204 million. In addition, Colombia also exported live cows, which generated a value of USD 122 million by mobilizing 205,150 heads. The main export market for Colombia was Russia, followed by Chile, Egypt, Lebanon, and Hong Kong.

Wordwide meat production record

Worldwide meat production figures were also favorable. It is recorded that in 2021 the largest amount of beef, pork, and broiler meat was produced in history with 263 million tons of these three products. Of the total, beef accounted for 22% with 57.7 million tons, broiler meat had 37.7% with 99.1 million tons and finally, pork achieved 40.3% by producing 106.1 million tons.

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The previous world meat production record was from 2018 with 262.5 million tons. Furthermore, it is expected that by 2022 the figure will not vary significantly, and 263.2 million tons will be achieved.

Exports of the meat sector ended 2021 with 37.2 million tons almost equally distributed between beef, pork, and broiler with 31.5%, 33.6%, and 34.9% respectively. A growth of 2.1% is expected for 2022 by exporting 38 million tons of the three types of meat.