Rising to a series high
South America Meat Production per Capita moved from 99.70 Kilogram in 2015 to 109.9 Kilogram in 2024 (+10.2%), an average of +1.1% a year. The series high was 109.9 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 98.05 Kilogram in 2016.
What South America Meat Production per Capita shows
South America Meat Production per Capita was 109.9 Kilogram in 2024, up 3.7% on 2023. South America’s meat production per capita demonstrated a strong upward trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the region’s well-established livestock industry, expanding meat production capacity, export competitiveness, and improvements in agricultural efficiency.
A 10.8% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2024) and low (2016) is 11.82 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +3.7% in 2024.
Argentina leads the region
Within South America, Argentina has the highest value in 2024 at 140.7 Kilogram.
Country ranking
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024
Kilogram. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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By region
Meat Production per Capita by region
Kilogram, 2024. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
South America Meat Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
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| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024Peak | 109.9 | +3.7% |
| 2023 | 106 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | 102.8 | +3.6% |
| 2021 | 99.19 | −2.4% |
| 2020 | 101.6 | −0.4% |
| 2019 | 102.1 | +1.5% |
| 2018 | 100.5 | +0.6% |
| 2017 | 99.93 | +1.9% |
| 2016 Trough | 98.05 | −1.7% |
| 2015 | 99.70 | — |
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity.
The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
About this indicator
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data indicates that meat production per capita increased from 99.70 kilograms in 2015 to 109.87 kilograms in 2024, despite fluctuations during the analyzed period. The indicator highlights South America’s significant role in global meat production and provides insights into regional livestock performance, production growth, and food supply capacity.
During the period from 2015 to 2018, South America’s meat production per capita remained relatively stable with moderate growth. Production declined slightly from 99.70 kilograms in 2015 to 98.05 kilograms in 2016 before recovering to 100.53 kilograms in 2018. Argentina remained a major contributor to regional production, supported by its strong cattle farming sector, while Chile and Colombia maintained consistent production levels through developed livestock systems.
Between 2019 and 2022, regional meat production per capita experienced some fluctuations. Production increased to 102.08 kilograms in 2019 before declining to 99.19 kilograms in 2021 due to market conditions, supply chain pressures, and production adjustments. However, recovery followed in 2022, with production rising to 102.81 kilograms, supported by improved livestock output and strengthening agricultural activities.
From 2023 to 2024, South America recorded significant growth in meat production per capita, increasing from 105.97 kilograms to 109.87 kilograms. Argentina showed continued expansion, reaching 140.66 kilograms in 2024, while Colombia also recorded gradual improvement. Chile maintained stable production levels, contributing to regional consistency.
Overall, South America’s meat production per capita trends demonstrate the strength and resilience of its livestock sector. The indicator provides valuable insights into agricultural productivity, export potential, and regional food supply development. Continued investment in sustainable livestock practices, modern farming technologies, and efficient production systems will support future growth of the region’s meat industry.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Region
- South America
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is South America Meat Production per Capita?
Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
What was South America Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
South America Meat Production per Capita was 109.9 Kilogram in 2024, up 3.7% on 2023.
How has South America Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
South America Meat Production per Capita moved from 99.70 Kilogram in 2015 to 109.9 Kilogram in 2024 (+10.2%), an average of +1.1% a year. The series high was 109.9 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 98.05 Kilogram in 2016.
Which year had the highest and lowest South America Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 109.9 Kilogram in 2024 and the lowest was 98.05 Kilogram in 2016.
What does the South America Meat Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity. Excluded: The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
Where does the South America Meat Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Meat%2C+total&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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