China Leads Global Meat Production with 92.8 Million Tons

Abstract

Over the past decades, global meat production has shown steady growth, driven by rising demand due to population growth and increasing incomes, particularly in developing countries. China, the largest producer, has seen significant expansion, with 2021 output reaching 92.8 million tonnes (Mt). Historically, pork has been the dominant meat in China, but poultry and beef have grown in popularity. Globally, the U.S. and Brazil are also key players, with the U.S. focusing on beef and poultry and Brazil on beef and pork. Environmental concerns, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, are increasingly shaping policies and consumer preferences, pushing for sustainable meat production practices.

Meat foods (from around the world)

From 1961 to 2021, global meat production has expanded rapidly, largely driven by economic growth, urbanization, and rising demand for animal protein. China has emerged as the largest meat producer, peaking at 92.8 million tonnes (Mt) in 2021, now operating at 100% of its peak. Historically, China’s production was driven by pork, but poultry and beef have grown in recent years. Global leaders like the U.S. and Brazil have contributed significantly, focusing on poultry, beef, and pork. Key trends include shifts towards more efficient production systems, increased environmental awareness, and concerns over sustainability, which have influenced both policies and consumer preferences worldwide.

The maximum is the latest one, 92.5Mt of China

Meat foods (latest year, countries around the world)

In 2021, global meat production reached 340 million tonnes (Mt), with an average of 1.85 Mt across producing nations. China led the world, contributing 92.8 Mt, about 27% of the total. Over recent decades, increasing demand, population growth, and rising incomes have driven meat production upward, with pork as a major contributor in China and poultry dominant in regions like the U.S. and Brazil. Environmental concerns and sustainability have gained prominence, prompting shifts towards alternative protein sources and more efficient, eco-friendly meat production practices, which are shaping future agricultural policies and consumer behavior globally.

The maximum is 92.5Mt of China, the average is 1.86Mt, and the total is 341Mt

Meat food (continent)

In 2021, Asia led global meat production with 156 million tonnes (Mt), reflecting the region’s dominant role in agriculture. The demand for meat in Asia has surged due to rapid economic growth, urbanization, and changing dietary preferences favoring animal protein. China is a key contributor, producing the highest share within Asia. Pork remains the most consumed meat in the region, although poultry and beef have gained popularity. Trends indicate a growing focus on sustainability, with efforts to reduce the environmental impact of meat production and explore alternative proteins, driven by concerns over resource use and climate change.

The maximum is the latest one, 157Mt of Asia

Meat (latest year, continental)

In 2021, global meat production reached 392 million tonnes (Mt), with Asia producing the largest share at 156 Mt, approximately 40% of the total. The average production across regions was 43.5 Mt. Asia’s dominant role reflects its large population, economic growth, and increased demand for animal protein, particularly in China. Pork is the leading meat in the region, though poultry and beef are gaining prominence. Global meat production has trended upwards over recent decades, but environmental concerns are driving shifts towards sustainable practices, including reducing the carbon footprint and exploring plant-based and alternative protein sources.

The maximum is 157Mt of Asia, the average is 56.8Mt, and the total is 341Mt

Main data

Reference