High input costs, limited growth in domestic meat consumption and increased competition from developing countries continue to affect production in developed countries. As a result, it is likely that the increase in output will arise from the developing countries.

Competition for export markets is also expected to increase in 2012 as key importing countries raise their own domestic production, according to the AHDB's European Market Survey for 18 May.

Beef production is expected to remain the same as the previous two years at 67.5 million tonnes. However, global beef trade is expected to rise by 4 per cent as a result of higher import requirements in the US and the EU.

A 3 per cent rebound in global pig meat production has been forecast for 2012. Growing investment and favourable market returns in Asian markets, particularly in China, are expected to result in a four per cent expansion in the region’s output.

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