Beef is the meat of cattle, scientifically known as Bos taurus, composed of protein, vitamins, minerals, and varying amounts of fat. It is a major macroeconomic pillar; the industry strongly influences global trade, employment, and agricultural supply chains.
Growth cycles, resource availability, market dynamics, and environmental factors can affect beef production. According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), global beef production is 62.25 million metric tons for the 2025/2026 marketing year (MY).
This article covers the 10 major beef-producing countries, their output last year, % of global share, and 10-year production metrics.
Here are the 10 leading beef-producing countries:
10 Largest producers of beef in the world according to USDA in MY 2025/2026
| Country | Total Production (Metric Tons) | % Share of Global Production |
|---|---|---|
 Brazil | 12.61 Million | 20% |
 United States | 11.84 Million | 19% |
 China | 8.01 Million | 13% |
 European Union | 6.41 Million | 10% |
 India | 4.68 Million | 8% |
 Argentina | 3.15 Million | 5% |
 Australia | 2.89 Million | 5% |
 Mexico | 2.17 Million | 3% |
 Russia | 1.41 Million | 2% |
 Canada | 1.26 Million | 2% |
1. Brazil
Brazil leads the world as the largest beef producer in 2025/26, with 12.61 million metric tons recorded. The country is responsible for generating 20% of the world’s beef for the same marketing year. In the previous year (2024/2025), Brazil’s beef production stood at 11.85 million metric tons, as per the USDA.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 10.47 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 3%
- Year-over-year change: 6%
2. United States
As per the current data for MY 2025/2026, the overall beef production in the United States is 11.84 million metric tons, making up 19% of the world’s output. The nation's beef production in 2024/2025 was reported by the USDA to be 12.29 million metric tons.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 12.25 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 0.28%
- Year-over-year change: -4%
3. China
China accounts for the world's third-largest beef output in 2025/26, with 8.01 million metric tons reported. It represents a 13% share of global beef production. In 2024/2025, the Asian country's beef output reached 7.79 million metric tons.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 6.98 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 3%
- Year-over-year change: 3%
4. European Union
The European Union contributes 10% to global beef production, with total output recorded at nearly 6.41 million metric tons in MY 2025/2026. The total beef output by the EU was estimated at 6.66 million metric tons in MY 2024/2025.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 6.8 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: -0.79%
- Year-over-year change: -4%
5. India
According to the latest data from the USDA, the South Asian country of India produced 4.68 million metric tons and accounted for 8% of global beef output in MY 2025/2026. India produced 4.57 million metric tons of beef in 2024/25, the previous marketing year.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 4.29 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 1%
- Year-over-year change: 3%
6. Argentina
Argentina sits at the forefront of global beef output with 3.15 million metric tons reported for the 2025/2026 marketing year. The nation’s beef production accounts for a 5% share of the worldwide output. Based on the analyzed data, Argentina’s total beef production was estimated at 3.18 million metric tons in MY 2024/2025.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 3.06 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 2%
- Year-over-year change: -1%
7. Australia
According to the USDA worldwide beef production data, Australia recorded 2.89 million metric tons, comprising 5% of the world’s share in MY 2025/2026. However, MY 2024/2025 saw 2.58 million metric tons of beef produced in the nation, noting the highest year-over-year growth among the 10 largest beef-producing nations in the world.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 2.26 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 3%
- Year-over-year change: 12%
8. Mexico
With a share of 3% in global production, Mexico is the eighth-largest beef-producing country. The nation’s beef production volume in MY 2025/2026 reached 2.17 million metric tons. In 2024/2025, nearly 2.26 million metric tons of beef were produced by the South American nation.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 2.08 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 1%
- Year-over-year change: -4%
9. Russia
Russia’s beef production reached 1.41 million metric tons during the marketing year of 2025/2026. This accounts for 2% of global production. In the previous year, beef production volume of Russia amounted to 1.44 million metric tons.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 1.37 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 0.52%
- Year-over-year change: -2%
10. Canada
Canada concludes the list of beef production by country. USDA states that Canada accounts for 2% of global beef production. The country’s beef output in MY 2025/2026 is reported at 1.26 million metric tons. In MY 2024/2025, Canada's beef output amounted to 1.3 million metric tons.
- 10-Year beef production stats (MY 2016-2025):
- 10-year average production: 1.29 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 1%
- Year-over-year change: -3%
