World’s top consumer of beef is…., the country at second place is…, no Muslim nation in top five

Beef remains a staple in many parts of the world, and its consumption continues to grow in some regions. However, cultural and religious factors play a big role in shaping eating habits across different countries.

Written by: Analiza Pathak Edited by: Analiza Pathak
Updated: March 13, 2025, 9:22 AM IST

Beef is one of the most consumed meats in the world. According to a Straits Research report, it makes up about 24 per cent of the total meat consumption worldwide. People enjoy beef because of its taste, nutritional value, and cultural significance. When it comes to beef consumption, Argentina ranks the highest. On average, an Argentine person consumes 46.93 kilograms of beef per year. This is the highest per capita beef consumption in the world.

The United States comes in second place, with an average per capita consumption of 38.01 kilograms per year. Beef is an important part of American cuisine, with popular dishes like burgers and steaks being widely enjoyed.

Brazil ranks third, where people consume about 34.59 kilograms of beef per person annually. The country is also one of the largest beef producers and exporters in the world. Australia and Canada are also among the top beef-consuming nations. Both countries have a strong meat culture, and beef is a common part of their daily diet.

China, while not in the top five, is seeing an increase in beef consumption due to rising income levels. As people in China earn more, they are adding more beef to their diets.

Interestingly, none of the top beef-consuming countries are Muslim-majority nations. Many Muslim countries have dietary restrictions on beef or prefer other meats like chicken and lamb.

Beef remains a staple in many parts of the world, and its consumption continues to grow in some regions. However, cultural and religious factors play a big role in shaping eating habits across different countries.

Beef production

Beef production is a major industry worldwide, with the United States leading the way. In 2023, the U.S. produced 12.29 million metric tons of beef, making up 20 per cent of global production. Brazil followed as the second-largest producer, contributing 10.95 million metric tons (18 per cent of the total). China ranked third, producing 7.53 million metric tons, which accounted for 13 per cent of the global supply. Other key producers, including Australia, Argentina, India, and the European Union, produced between 2.22 and 6.46 million metric tons.

Global beef market

The United States dominates the global beef market in terms of export value, reaching USD 30.08 billion in 2023—a 2.66 per cent increase from the previous year. However, despite being a leading exporter, the U.S. is also the world’s second-largest beef importer, spending $27.01 billion on imports. While Canada and Mexico are key suppliers to the U.S., Japan and South Korea are its biggest export destinations, making up 46 per cent of total US beef exports.

Meanwhile, Brazil is another major beef exporter, with most of its shipments going to Hong Kong and China.

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