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Red meat prices have surged to unprecedented levels in the United States, driven by a combination of prolonged drought, livestock disease outbreaks and trade policies that are tightening supply.
The impact is being felt at the checkout aisle, where the cost of everyday staples like ground beef has soared. Meanwhile, in Türkiye, red meat has become increasingly unaffordable for large segments of the population, with prices now nearly three times higher than the global average.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the price of ground beef has climbed to $13.49 per kilogram, marking the highest level since records began. The year-on-year increase has reached 12%, with an 8% rise since January alone.
Steak prices are also on the rise, with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) figures showing a $23.34 per kilogram cost—up 8% from 2024.
Industry analysts point to a long-standing imbalance between supply and demand, worsened by climate-related droughts that have reduced pasture land and pushed up feed costs.
Trade policies are also contributing to the price hike. The Trump administration recently announced that, starting August 1, a 50% import tariff will be imposed on beef coming from Brazil. When combined with existing duties, Brazilian beef entering the US market will face a total tax burden of approximately 76%.
While the U.S. battles supply shocks and policy-driven inflation, Türkiye is dealing with a more deeply rooted affordability crisis.
Over the past five years, red meat prices in Türkiye have risen by over 1,200%. In 2020, a kilogram of beef carcass cost around ₺32. By 2025, that figure had skyrocketed to ₺432, with prices continuing to climb through March, reaching nearly ₺692 per kilogram—a 7.4% monthly increase.
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This surge in prices has led to a dramatic fall in meat consumption across the country. Türkiye now ranks as the lowest meat-consuming nation in Europe. In 2022, average red meat consumption per person was recorded at just 18.44 kilograms, compared to the global average of 28.5 kilograms. Uruguay and Argentina continue to lead the world in red meat consumption.
Grocery inflation has had a disproportionate impact on low-income groups in Türkiye, particularly pensioners and minimum wage earners.
A recent report in Ekonomim underscores how rising prices have made it increasingly difficult for citizens to purchase meat on a regular basis. The situation has deteriorated to the point where meat has become a luxury for many families.
Data from Eurostat, the European Union’s statistics office, reveal that Türkiye tops the list of countries where people are unable to afford a meat, chicken, or fish meal every other day. The proportion of the population facing this hardship stands at 39.1%—significantly higher than in Romania (23.2%) and Bulgaria (19.9%).
According to Turkish economist Inan Mutlu, the average global price for a kilogram of red meat is around $6.62, while in Türkiye it is approximately $17.81.
This makes Türkiye’s prices nearly three times higher than the global norm, deepening the strain on consumers and raising broader concerns about food security and quality of life.
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