Meat exports: Argentina is on track to break the one million-ton barrier

The scenario combines very strong international demand and a more competitive exchange rate that could boost shipments. Today, the biggest challenge is on the production front: the supply of cattle is shrinking, and although there are calves available, the industry considers them insufficient in the face of installed capacity and the magnitude of global demand. China remains the big buyer. In July, it imported 240 thousand tons, 15% more year-on-year after nine months of decline. However, the Asian giant is putting pressure on prices: it pays on average only 10% more, while international values have risen by 20 to 25%. The change in the mix of purchases—more industrial meat and fewer fine cuts, following the exit of the United States—partly explains this difference. In fact, between March and July, Argentine exports grew by 16,200 tons, and 83% of that increase was due to China. Even so, Brazil is pressing hard: in July, it sent a historic record of 158 thousand tons to the ...