Rising Beef Prices: Trends, Causes & Future Outlook

Despite the cost hikes, need for beef has actually stayed solid, specifically during the summer grilling period, which means rates are not likely to alleviate in the near future. Some projections suggest raised beef prices could continue into 2026 and beyond, unless herd sizes are reconstructed.

Nationwide, the ordinary price of hamburger got to $6.12 per extra pound last month, according to United States federal government information. That notes a rise of nearly 12% from a year previously. The average rate for all raw beef steaks rose 8% over the very same period, hitting $11.49 per pound.

Record High Beef Prices

Silver claimed he is also taking into consideration a “market value” strategy wherein cheesesteaks and other menu products would certainly be noted without a repaired price, permitting the restaurant to readjust the cost based upon existing component prices that undergo provide changes.

Those numbers stand for record highs– and they cap off a steady climb in beef costs because the start of the years. In 2020, the typical price of hamburger was $4.63 per pound. By 2021, that figure increased to $4.88, and by 2022, it had actually jumped to $5.31.

Factors Driving Beef Price Increase

Beef prices in the US have been gradually rising for years, yet the pace of boost has increased given that the pandemic, driven by a shrinking livestock supply, high production prices and relentless customer need.

In spite of a moderate 2.3% boost in 2023, the pace got once more in 2024, with hamburger balancing $5.71 per extra pound. As of mid-2025, customers are paying between $6.12 and $6.34 per extra pound– a surge of roughly 36% because 2020.