How 30-Year High Inflation Levels Could Impact Record Meat Demand

Graphic by Lindsey Pound, Farm Journal

U.S. inflation levels are nearly at record high. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reports a 6.2% increase in the last year, a spike not seen since 1990. Used cars and trucks showed a record increase, up 26%, with gas 49% more costly and other fuels are up 59%. Meanwhile, some of the most shocking price increases have been seen on grocery store shelves with U.S. meat products. Retail pork is up 14%, chicken almost 9% and beef up a whopping 20%. Despite the hikes, consumer demand for meat has seen record levels. But how high is too high of a price to pay for meat? Some economists are saying they aren’t expecting demand to take a hit from price hikes, others say the increase could force some to change their eating habits, such as eating out less.

Read more on inflation and consumer demand for meat products.

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