Highlights

In the dairy sector, despite low prices, milk deliveries are expected to slightly increase at EU level in 2015 and most probably in 2016. 2015 production is even expected to decrease in the two main milk producing countries, Germany and France. More milk is channelled into SMP and butter because of good demand (domestically and abroad), price competitiveness and storage possibilities. Cheese production is also expected to increase. Dairy commodity prices have now stabilised but further milk price cuts can be expected in the short-term.

EU cereal production is expected to be again above 300 million tonnes in 2015/2016. Although lower than last year´s record harvest only 3 out of the last 10 seasons were more productive. Given good harvests worldwide and relatively low world prices, EU exports are expected to be lower than in 2014/2015. The significant reduction in EU white sugar production and the projected correction of the market unbalance at world level in 2015/2016 should allow the EU white sugar price to increase.

Pig meat production is expected to increase further in 2015 in spite of the low prices. However, the first signs of decrease in the reproductive herd could be observed recently. Poultry meat production continues its steady development. Good exports of meat and live cattle to Turkey bring relief on the beef market, where supply increase is driven by the dairy herd development. The rising availabilities of meat on the EU market translate into a further 2% increase in EU per capita consumption, after the strong recovery already observed in 2014.

More information: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/markets-and-prices/short-term-outlook/index_en.htm

Source: European Commission