The livestock production system is the foundation for the development of a meat industry which, with a turnover of €42.134 billion, ranks first within the entire Spanish food and beverage industry and represents 23% of the production value of this industry.

The sector comprises around 3,191 companies and is spread throughout Spain, particularly in rural areas where small and medium-sized enterprises are established alongside leading business groups in the European market.

The beef sector in Spain represents a valuable livestock activity. This group includes the majority of farmers dedicated to the breeding and management of suckler cows, as well as those specialized in raising animals for fattening and meat production, together with meat companies that enable a market-oriented approach to products. This is reflected in the high degree of internationalization of the sector and in the market share it occupies both within the EU and in third-country markets.

Overall, in 2025, the sector generated an estimated annual economic value reaching €5.025 billion, 16% higher than the previous year, representing around 40.5% of the Final Livestock Production value. In this way, the sector ranks second in economic importance within Spanish livestock farming, after the pork sector.

Within the EU as a whole, Spain ranks among the leading countries, contributing 11% of the annual economic value generated by this sector in the EU.

Although meat production in Spain has generally shown an upward trend in recent years, with the exception of 2020, 2025 marked a change in trend, with production decreasing by 1.5% compared to 2024, reaching an estimated 705.6 thousand tonnes of beef.

The pork sector in Spain is highly significant. In 2025, estimated pork production reached a new record of 5.3 million tonnes, representing a substantial increase compared to 2024 (+6.3%).

Overall, in 2025, the sector generated an annual production economic value of €11.6933 billion. This value represents 39.06% of Final Livestock Production and 15.82% of Final Agricultural Production.

Regarding the sheep and goat sector, in 2025 the estimated value of sheep and goat meat production in Spain reached €1.4466 billion, representing around 4.8% of the Final Livestock Production value. At EU level, Spain accounts for 27.3% of total European sheep and goat meat production, ranking first in sheep production and second in goat production.

In 2025, estimated production amounted to 106,027 tonnes, 1.1% lower than in 2024.

Foreign trade

The meat sector has continued to increase the value of its exports, reaching €10.548 billion in 2025 (+1.9% compared to the previous year).

The volume of pork exports in 2025 amounted to 2.75 million tonnes. The main destinations for pork exports in 2024 were China, Italy, France, the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea. In 2025, the value of pork exports reached approximately €8.497 billion, representing a 3.3% decrease compared to the previous year.

The beef sector, largely oriented towards trade within the European Union, is increasingly acquiring a stronger export profile, positioning itself in numerous foreign markets and opening new markets to diversify its activities.

In 2025, the sector maintained a positive trade balance in both volume and value. However, volume declined by 2% compared to the previous year. Regarding exports, provisional data show that around 316.478 thousand tonnes were exported, worth approximately €2 billion.

Household consumption of beef in Spain in 2025 (provisional data) declined by 2.9% compared to the previous year, with veal being the most consumed category (74%). Out-of-home consumption also showed a slight decline (-0.27% vs. 2024). Consumers are seeking affordable prices, while the beef sector is currently operating at very high price levels.

The economic value of sheep and goat exports in 2025 (provisional data) reached a total of €431.7 million (+25% compared to 2024).

The main destinations for sheep meat exports in 2025 were EU Member States. France was the leading destination with 35% of exports, followed by Italy with 17% of the total. Regarding exports to third countries, Algeria stood out with 24% of total exports.

Among 2025 exports, the main destination countries for live sheep exports were Morocco (37.8%), Algeria (27.2%), Germany (10.7%), and Portugal (7.1%).

Trade with foreign markets and the opening of new commercial opportunities are key elements that contribute to the stability and sustainability of the sheep meat sector, especially in the current context of declining domestic consumption.

The products offered by the Spanish meat industry, in general, are high-quality products with high added value, which are fundamental aspects for expanding markets and maintaining strong leadership in global markets.