Trade conflict
Associations warn of rising meat prices from EU tariffs
The planned EU extracölle on American products could have followed for meat eaters in Germany. The United States is the largest supplier of soy. This is used in this country as a feed.
The trade conflict between the EU and the USA could also affect meat prices in Germany. The background is the possible tariffs on American soybeans that are used in this country in processed form as cattle feed. “It may make meat more expensive,” said Hermann-Josef Baaken, the managing director of the German Association. The “Handelsblatt” had previously reported.
The United States is the largest supplier from soybeans to Germany. Of the 3.7 million tons that were imported in 2024, two thirds come from there. This is shown by figures from the Information Society (AMI) Agrarmarkt. A large part is processed into a soybean. According to Baaken, this is an important part of feed for pigs, poultry and cattle and indispensable due to the high protein content. Only: Neither large quantities are generated in Germany nor in the EU.
The Association of Meat Management (VDF) also expects the procurement costs for soy to increase from EU criminal offenses. And as a result, the costs of the animal owners and the prices for animal products. General Managing Director Steffen Reiter said: “How high price increases could be can not be estimated.” The amount of the tariffs has not yet been determined, and it is also unclear whether and with what quantities other delivery countries could replace US imports.
“As many soybeans than ever”
In response to the US tariffs that came into force to steel and aluminum imports, the EU recently announced countermeasures for American products. From April in a first step, new tariffs should be due, among other things, on the import of whiskey, jeans, motorcycles and peanut butter. Other EU extracölle could follow in mid-April and meet agricultural products imported from the USA such as soy.
According to Ami market expert Nadja Pooh, the global soy offer is currently large. “We have never had as many soybeans as currently.” Other important delivery countries were recently Brazil and Ukraine. The German Farmers’ Association considers it conceivable to switch to other sources of supply. General Secretary Bernhard Krüsken still expects the tariffs to have an impact on prices.
The Federal Association of German Food Trade was similar. “Customs are at the expense of consumers. This is bad, especially in economically difficult times,” said Managing Director Philipp Hennerkes. The food group Premium Food Group, which also includes the slaughterhouses of Tönnies, referred to the VDF industry association on request.
dpa
Source: Stern
