Global Animal Protein Outlook 2018: Production Growth Continues... Bringing Increased Competition

Animal protein production is expanding around the world, and increasing competition—between the species and in trade flows—is creating many areas of opportunity for both producers and processors.

Video: Outlook 2018

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Video: North America

Figure: How we see global animal protein in 2018

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Report summary

“Rabobank expects animal protein production to increase in all regions, with total production growth once again surpassing the ten-year average,” according to Justin Sherrard, Global Strategist – Animal Protein. “This strong production increase is mainly being driven by Brazil, China, and the US.”

Looking at production across species, beef joins pork as a strong contributor to global expansion. In 2018, global beef production is expected to expand for a third consecutive year, and global pork production is expected to see another year of significant expansion. Poultry production is also expected to grow, but will be down slightly on 2017.

In seafood, aquaculture continues to drive seafood supply growth. Sustainable growth in the seafood industry solely depends on aquaculture, although we expect the wild catch industry to recover after El Niño recedes in 2017. Zooming in, the salmon market is recovering, fishmeal prices will stabilise, and the shrimp industry is likely to continue growing.

On our trade scorecard for 2018, we note that “many countries are looking to increase exports, and this will be a major part of the increased competition we expect in 2018”, according to Mr Sherrard. While specific trade outcomes will also reflect growing demand, access issues and policy decisions, Rabobank expects trade to represent an important area of both opportunity and uncertainty over the coming year. “Trade should be the top-of-mind issue for global animal protein as we head into a new year, and enhancing competitiveness is going to be critical for success.”

Looking beyond markets and trade, we see four other issues that will dominate the headlines for animal protein in 2018: increasing although uneven industry consolidation, the evolving retail landscape, alternative proteins, and technology. In food retail, the evolving landscape is one of more channels, more product options, and more velocity, which will bring new areas of opportunity and threat to strong and agile animal protein supply chains. Alternative proteins will grow further from their small base and continue to capture consumer interest in innovative food. At the same time, the animal protein production chain, and especially aquaculture, will focus more on alternative proteins as an innovative feed ingredient. When it comes to innovation, technology—and in particular data-driven technology—is starting to deliver value along the animal supply chain, even though widespread adoption remains elusive.

Regional outlooks

North America: Production continues to grow. Ongoing production expansion across the species increases the dependence on trade, yet access to trade markets will be an area of uncertainty during 2018

Brazil: Production will increase in 2018. Brazil & Argentina are set to increase beef production by 5% and 4%, respectively, with Brazil also expanding poultry and pork production.

EU: Exports are key in a challenging market. Access to export markets is increasingly important for processors, as production rises, while social issues remain top of mind for domestic consumers.

China: Pork supply will increase, poultry will stay flat. China’s pork market is entering a down cycle, with imports set to rise as structural adjustment continues. Overall poultry supply will be flat, with white bird supply declining and other species rising. Beef supply will grow steadily, with imports being the main driving force.

South-East Asia: Production growth will decelerate. Poultry production is tapering off in response to oversupply. Beef demand will continue to be met by imports, with price being the main focus in trade decision making.

Australia & New Zealand: Beef and lamb production will remain steady. Improved seasonal conditions support Australian producer demand for cattle amid softer export markets, while in New Zealand, beef exporters are reliant on continued demand growth in export markets.

  • Justin Sherrard

    Global Strategist - Animal Protein
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  • Nan-Dirk Mulder

    Senior Analyst - Animal Protein
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  • Gorjan Nikolik

    Senior Analyst - Seafood
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  • Beyhan de Jong

    Analyst – Animal Protein
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  • Don Close

    Senior Analyst - Animal Protein
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  • Christine McCracken

    Senior Analyst – Animal Protein
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  • Andrick Payen

    Analyst
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  • Adolfo Fontes

    Senior Analyst - Animal Protein
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  • Chenjun Pan

    Senior Analyst - Animal Protein
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  • Ben Santoso

    Senior Analyst - Animal Protein
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  • Angus Gidley-Baird

    Senior Analyst - Animal Protein
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  • Blake Holgate

    Analyst - Animal Protein, Sustainability
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