1. Weekly News

Argentina

Argentine Beef Targets Chinese Market Expansion Amid Global Trade Shifts at SIAL China 2025

At the opening of SIAL China 2025, one of the world's most significant international food fairs, Argentina communicated its aim to expand its beef footprint in the Chinese market, led by the Argentine Beef Promotion Institute (IPCVA) and 26 exporting meatpacking companies. Despite China absorbing over 70% of exports and being the primary export destination, the Argentine beef sector faces challenges in 2025, including sluggish demand recovery, volatile prices, and stiff competition from countries like Brazil and Australia. In response, the IPCVA signed a strategic partnership with JD.COM, China’s largest private e-commerce platform, aiming to boost brand visibility and consumer engagement through digital campaigns, tastings, and behavioral data insights. While exports to China have recently improved due to reduced stocks and trade shifts, challenges like currency constraints, rising domestic cattle prices, and export taxes continue to weigh on profitability. Although Argentine beef exports are projected to reach around 800 thousand metric tons (mt) in 2025, down from the 2024 record, they remain historically high, underscoring the sector’s resilience amid global uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics.

Brazil

Brazil's Growing Strategy for Profitable, Sustainable Livestock Farming

The beef-on-dairy strategy, which involves crossbreeding dairy cows with beef bulls, is rapidly gaining popularity in Brazil. This integration of dairy and beef farming offers significant improvements in both productivity and profitability. Already well established in countries like the United States (US), this approach increases average daily gain, which directly enhances turnover and reduces fixed costs. Crossbred calves, especially from breeds such as Angus or Simmental, add value to dairy operations, with young calves reaching market prices of up to USD 1,000. This strategy also promotes sustainability by maximizing the use of dairy farm resources and reducing the underutilization of male calves. The success of this system depends heavily on efficient nutritional management, particularly during dry seasons, and the adoption of data-driven decision-making processes. With its dual benefits and rising global acceptance, beef on dairy is positioned as a transformative and irreversible trend in modern livestock farming.

Paraguay

Paraguay Strengthens Beef Export Ties with Taiwan and Israel

Paraguay's beef sector continues to thrive through strong international partnerships and strategic market practices. Taiwan remains one of Paraguay’s top beef importers, contributing significantly to the country's USD 350 million in annual exports to the market. Meanwhile, the country is preparing for the seasonal kosher beef slaughter for exports to Israel, a value-added practice that complies with Jewish dietary laws and grants access to premium markets. Seven certified slaughterhouses across Paraguay will host specialized crews to carry out this process, which boosts cattle slaughter volumes and enhances prices for producers. The growing demand from Israel, coupled with favorable price trends in competing countries like Argentina and Uruguay, positions Paraguay to benefit from higher beef export revenues in 2025.

United Kingdom

UK Lifts FMD Restrictions on German Meat and Animal Exports

The United Kingdom (UK) officially declared Germany free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination as of May 14, 2025, following a thorough assessment. Consequently, previous import restrictions on animals susceptible to FMD, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, and buffalo, and their products, including meat and dairy from the German containment zone, have been lifted. This allows exports to resume under compliance with other import conditions. However, individual restrictions still apply to travelers bringing beef, lamb, goat, pork, and dairy products from European Union (EU) countries into the UK for personal use, aiming to safeguard British animal health, farmer safety, and national food security. This ban covers items like sandwiches, cheeses, cured meats, raw meats, and milk, regardless of packaging or purchase location.

United States

Soaring US Beef Prices Reshape Global Meat Trade as Brazil Gains Ground

In Mar-25, US beef prices soared to USD 5.79 per pound (lb), the highest in 70 years, driven by drought, rising input costs, and shrinking cattle herds. This situation has made beef increasingly unaffordable for average American consumers. In restaurants, premium steak prices neared USD 11/lb, further limiting access. This economic pressure has led households to shift toward more affordable proteins like poultry and pork. Meanwhile, Brazil has emerged as the world’s top meat exporter, benefitting significantly as China strategically pivots away from North American imports to increase food purchases from Brazil. Brazilian beef exports to China rose by 30% in Q1-2025. Amid declining profits at major US processors like Tyson Foods and mounting consumer strain, beef affordability has become a political issue under the current administration. These dynamics have heightened calls among US producers for a trade agreement with China, recognizing the critical importance of access to the Chinese market amid intensifying global meat trade competition.

Uruguay

Uruguay’s Meat Imports Surge 32% YoY in Q1-2025 to Stabilize Local Prices

According to the Association of Meat Distributors and Importers of Uruguay (Adicu), Uruguay registered a 32% year-on-year (YoY) increase in meat imports in Q1-2025, driven by high demand and reduced local stock due to strong export performance. This rise in imports has helped stabilize prices in the domestic market despite global meat price increases. Adicu emphasized that imported meat, sourced mainly from Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, is of excellent quality and well accepted by consumers. The imports serve to supplement supply and prevent domestic prices from rising significantly, with estimates suggesting that without imports, meat prices could be USD 1.20 (UYU 50) to USD 2.40 (UYU 100) higher. This ensures affordable access to important proteins like beef, pork, and chicken for Uruguayans.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Beef Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Beef Pricing Important Exporters (W21 2024 to W21 2025) 

Brazil

In W21, Brazil’s wholesale price for boneless rear beef increased slightly by 0.43% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 4.69 per kilogram (kg). Despite this marginal rise, prices remain 1.88% lower month-on-month (MoM) and 6.01% below the same period last year. The weekly gain is likely linked to fluctuations in the exchange rate, as the price in local currency held steady at USD 4.69/kg (BRL 26.50/kg), unchanged from the previous week’s USD 4.67/kg (BRL 26.50/kg). Nevertheless, wholesale beef prices are facing downward pressure overall, according to Safras and Mercado. The market outlook remains weak, with expectations of continued price declines in the short term. This is due to subdued consumer demand in the latter half of the month, which slows the pace of stock replacement between wholesale and retail sectors. In 2025, the growing preference among consumers for more affordable proteins further dampens demand for higher-priced beef cuts. In the physical market for beef cattle, transaction prices are once again falling below average reference levels. Safras and Mercado anticipate that this downward trend will persist in the near term, supported by the ample availability of slaughter-ready animals throughout May-25.

Australia

Australia’s National Young Cattle Indicator (NYCI) averaged USD 2.30/kg in W21, marking a 1.32% WoW increase and a 5.50% YoY rise but remaining 5.74% MoM lower. According to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), the overall cattle market strengthened across all indicators, driven by steady buyer demand alongside a significant drop in supply. National yardings declined by 25 thousand heads, with only 55 thousand cattle yarded during the week, a nearly 50% decrease compared to two weeks ago. All states recorded lower yardings except Tasmania. Cow prices rebounded over the week, partially offsetting recent monthly declines amid weakening export demand, with Victoria recording the strongest cow prices above the national average. Steer demand also remained firm, with prices rising across heavy steers, feeders, and restocker categories.

United States

In W21, US lean beef (92% to 94% lean) averaged USD 8.70/kg, rising 1.05% WoW while remaining flat MoM. This rebound signals an early build-up in beef demand ahead of the 2025 summer grilling season, which is typically driven by outdoor events and seasonal consumption patterns. Despite recent import tariffs straining consumer budgets, food companies are actively using promotions to appeal to price-sensitive buyers. Prices remained 8.48% higher YoY, supported by a tightening domestic supply due to a shrinking national cattle herd. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the total US cattle herd stood at 86.7 million heads as of January 1, down from 87.2 million a year earlier. Notably, beef cow numbers fell 1% YoY to 28 million, the lowest level since 1951. Cattle and calves on feed in US feedlots totaled 11.4 million as of May 1, down 2% YoY, while Apr-25 placements fell 3% YoY to 1.61 million. Supply constraints are expected to intensify following the May 11 suspension of live cattle imports from Mexico due to the New World screwworm (NWS) outbreak. This disruption is likely to further tighten beef supplies and add upward pressure on prices in the lead-up to peak summer demand.

Argentina

Argentina’s average steer beef price edged down 0.41% WoW to USD 2.41/kg, though it remained 0.42% higher MoM and 23.59% above year-ago levels. In local currency, prices averaged USD 2.41/kg (ARS 2,741.65/kg), up 0.21% WoW from USD 2.42/kg (ARS 2,735.98/kg) in W20, indicating that the marginal USD decline was influenced by currency fluctuations. The significant YoY increase reflects broader challenges in 2024, including weakened beef consumption due to economic difficulties. On the supply side, concerns are growing as the USDA forecasts a 3% YoY drop in beef production to 3.08 million metric tons (mmt) in 2025. This is based on a revised slaughter estimate of 13.4 million heads, driven by early sell-offs linked to drought and high production costs. Meanwhile, domestic demand is rebounding, increasingly competing with exports. Exporters face challenges including longer payment terms and a 6.75% withholding tax, making the domestic market more attractive. Analysts note that strong internal demand has shifted market dynamics, as average domestic beef consumption is expected to rise to between 48 kg to 49 kg per capita in the first half of 2025, up from 43 kg last year. Consequently, the share of exports has dropped from over 30% in 2024 to 24% of total production in 2025.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Enhance Digital Marketing and Strategic Partnerships to Strengthen Argentine Beef in China

To overcome challenges such as sluggish demand and rising domestic costs, Argentine beef exporters should intensify digital marketing efforts leveraging the strategic partnership with JD.COM. This includes expanding consumer engagement through targeted digital campaigns, virtual tastings, and data-driven promotions to build brand loyalty in China’s competitive meat market. Additionally, exporters should diversify product offerings to include premium and value-added cuts appealing to evolving Chinese consumer preferences. Close collaboration with Chinese e-commerce platforms and local stakeholders will optimize market penetration and offset competitive pressures from Brazil and Australia.

Accelerate Adoption of Beef-on-Dairy Crossbreeding to Boost Brazilian Livestock Efficiency

Brazilian producers should scale up the beef-on-dairy strategy by integrating crossbreeding programs using high-value beef bulls like Angus and Simmental into dairy herds. This approach enhances profitability by increasing average daily gains and maximizing resource use on dairy farms. To ensure success, emphasis must be placed on advanced nutritional management and data analytics to optimize animal health and growth, especially during challenging seasons. Training and extension services for farmers on these techniques can accelerate widespread adoption, driving sustainable, profitable livestock farming aligned with global market demand.

Expand Market Access and Value-Added Processing for Paraguayan Beef Exports

Paraguay should continue strengthening export ties with key markets such as Taiwan and Israel by ensuring compliance with specialized requirements, including kosher slaughtering for the Israeli market. Investments in certified slaughterhouses and training for specialized crews will increase production volumes and product quality, allowing Paraguayan producers to capture premium prices. Simultaneously, Paraguay can explore new niche markets and diversify product lines, reinforcing its reputation for high-quality beef and expanding export revenues amid growing global demand.

Leverage Germany’s FMD-Free Status to Enhance UK Meat Trade and Biosecurity Measures

Following the UK’s recognition of Germany as FMD-free without vaccination, UK importers and exporters should capitalize on eased restrictions to diversify supply chains and strengthen bilateral trade in cattle, meat, and dairy products. Simultaneously, it is critical to maintain stringent biosecurity protocols to prevent FMD introduction from travelers’ personal imports. Public awareness campaigns and border inspections should continue emphasizing restrictions on personal imports of meat and dairy from EU countries to protect UK agriculture, ensuring long-term stability and safety in the domestic livestock sector.

Sources: Tridge, Agromeat, Bichos de campo, Canal Rural, 3tres3