Which Country Produces the Most Beef?

The United States (US) is the world's largest beef producer. According to USDA data, the US produced 11.32 million tons of beef in 2016, contributing 19.25 percent to global production. Average US beef production for the period 2012-2016 was 11.36 million tons.

Meanwhile, Brazil is the second largest beef producer with a production of 9.62 million tons, contributing 16.18 percent to global production. This is followed by the European Union with a production of 7.68 million tons and a contribution of 12.84 percent. Total global beef production in 2016 reached 59 million tons, a 1 percent increase from the previous year's 58.39 million tons.

Concerns over the quality of Brazilian beef, deemed unfit for consumption, have led several countries to halt imports. Mexico, China, the European Union, and Indonesia have stopped importing Brazilian beef. This situation is expected to benefit India's beef industry, the world's fifth largest producer.