1. Weekly News

Bolivia

Bolivia Suspended Beef Exports to Stabilize Domestic Prices, Sparking Industry Backlash

The Bolivian government temporarily suspended beef exports to stabilize domestic supply and prices, drawing criticism from cattle farmers and exporters. The Ministry of Productive Development and the Plural Economy (MDPYEP) announced that export certificates would not be issued until prices stabilize, similar to past interventions in Argentina. The move follows a sharp rise in beef prices, reaching USD 8.57 per kilogram (BOB 60/kg), despite production costs increasing moderately. The Agricultural Chamber of the East (CAO) and business groups warned that such restrictions have historically failed, leading to shortages and economic losses. CAO indicates that the suspension is causing a daily industry loss of USD 500 thousand, despite Bolivia's annual beef exports averaging USD 220 million, just 12% of total production. The government argues that the impact is minimal due to low seasonal demand from China. Critics link price hikes to structural issues like inflation, which stood at 9.97% in 2024 and currency depreciation. Authorities have intensified border controls to combat smuggling, while businesses and producers threaten strikes if the policy is not reversed.

Brazil

Brazil’s Beef Export Value Rises Despite Lower Shipments in Jan-25

According to the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex), Brazil’s beef exports reached 180.4 thousand metric tons (mt), valued at USD 907.57 million in Jan-25. This represents a slight 0.67% drop in volume but a 10.48% rise in value compared to Jan-24 when 181.6 thousand mt were exported, worth USD 821.48 million. The daily average export volume was 8.2 mt, a 0.6% drop compared to the same period last year. The average price of exported beef was USD 5,028/mt, representing an 11.2% increase compared to USD 4,523/mt in Jan-24.

Brazil Expands Beef Exports with New Market Openings in Kenya and Suriname

Brazil has secured new beef export opportunities with Kenya and Suriname, reinforcing its global market presence. The Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec) welcomed Kenya’s decision to open its market to Brazilian beef, highlighting the country's potential as a promising destination with a population of 55 million. Additionally, Suriname has authorized imports of Brazilian beef, live cattle, and poultry meat, reflecting confidence in Brazil’s health control system and strengthening trade ties. In 2024, Brazil’s agricultural exports to Suriname reached USD 28.5 million, with expectations for further growth. These developments contribute to Brazil’s 25 market openings in 2025, totaling 325 new trade opportunities since early 2023, driven by collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE).

France

French Beef Production Faces 1.8% YoY Decline in 2025 Amid Disease Outbreaks and Herd Reduction

According to the French Livestock Institute (Idele), French beef production is projected to decline by 1.8% year-on-year (YoY) in 2025, reaching 1.29 million metric tons (mmt). The drop is driven by epizootic hemorrhagic disease and bluetongue virus, which are causing increased mortality and fertility issues, exacerbating the ongoing downward trend. Farmers have responded by culling more cows, accelerating herd decapitalization in late 2024. This will lead to a 3.6% YoY drop in female cattle production in 2025, alongside an 8.2% YoY decline in calf production, reaching 862 thousand heads due to lower births and a shift toward fattening. Slaughter calf production is also expected to continue decreasing.

Paraguay

Paraguay’s Beef Exports Surge Driven by Rising Global Demand

According to the National Animal Health and Quality Service (Senacsa), Paraguay’s beef and offal exports saw substantial growth in Jan-25, with shipments reaching 31.89 thousand mt, worth USD 157.9 million. This represents a 24% YoY increase in volume and a significant 42% YoY rise in value. Beef exports alone totaled 26.39 thousand mt, generating USD 148.4 million, marking a 17% YoY increase in volume and a 39% YoY rise in income. Offal exports surged 72% YoY in volume and 92% YoY in revenue, reaching 5.5 thousand mt worth USD 9.5 million. The growth was driven by increased animal slaughter, rising international demand, and price recovery. Chile remained the top market, accounting for 37% of exports, followed by Taiwan (15%), Israel (8%), the United States (6%), Brazil (5%), and Russia (5%). Additionally, Paraguay’s first 24 mt kosher beef shipment to the US signals new trade opportunities, reinforcing global confidence in its meat quality.

Uruguay

Uruguay Shifts Beef Exports from China to the US Amid Higher Prices

According to National Meat Institute (INAC) data, Uruguay’s beef exports to the US amounted to 14.17 thousand mt, a significant 23% YoY rise, while shipments to China reached 12.43 thousand mt, a substantial 32% YoY drop. This made the US the top destination for Uruguayan beef, increasing its market share from 34% to 41%, while China’s share dropped from 43% to 32%. In value terms, the US accounted for 43% of total revenue, compared to China’s 24%, reflecting higher prices paid by American buyers. Despite a 12.6% YoY drop in overall export volume to 36.92 thousand mt, Uruguay’s beef export revenue grew from USD 167 million in Jan-24 to USD 175 million in Jan-25, driven by rising prices.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Beef Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Beef Pricing Important Exporters (W6 2024 to W6 2025)

Brazil

In W6, Brazil's wholesale price for boneless rear beef fell 7.22% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 4.51/kg, the lowest level since W45 2024. This also marks a 2.93% month-on-month (MoM) and 6.80% YoY decline. In local currency, prices dropped 7.14% WoW to BRL 26/kg, the first decline after five weeks of stability. The drop is attributed to weak beef demand, with Safras and Mercado noting that consumers continue to favor more affordable proteins like chicken, eggs, and sausages, a trend that has defined consumption patterns in the first two months of the year.

Australia

Australia’s National Young Cattle Indicator averaged USD 2.12/kg in W6, marking a 2.30% WoW decline, an 8.23% MoM fall, and a 7.83% YoY drop. According to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), cattle prices declined amid a mixed market, with yardings easing by 1.71 thousand heads to 51.44 thousand heads due to hot, dry conditions affecting stock quality. While fewer heavy cattle pushed the heavy steer indicator higher, processor demand for heavyweight-grown cattle weakened, leading to lower prices for well-finished steers and heifers. The Dairy Cow Indicator also declined as yardings doubled to 811 heads, with increased cow offloading and limited processor competition driving prices down.

United States

In W6, US lean beef (92% to 94%) averaged USD 8.40/kg, marking a 3.19% WoW increase for the fifth consecutive week and reaching its highest level since W40 2024. Prices also saw an 8.11% MoM rise and a significant 24.63% YoY surge, driven by tightening domestic supply as the shrinking cow herd continues to limit production. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), total cattle and calf inventory stood at 86.7 million heads as of January 1, 2025, reflecting a 0.6% YoY decline and marking the sixth consecutive year of contraction in the cattle cycle. As a result, US beef production in 2025 is projected to decline by 4.4% compared to 2024, with per capita beef consumption expected to drop by 2.68% YoY to 58 pounds (lbs) per person.

Argentina

Argentina's average steer beef price climbed to USD 2.36/kg in W6, reflecting a 5.41% WoW increase, a 10.18% MoM rise, and a significant 29.79% YoY surge. The price rebound may be attributed to recovering beef consumption. The sharp YoY increase highlights the economic challenges that reshaped Argentina's meat consumption in 2024. Amid financial pressures, per capita poultry consumption surpassed beef for the first time in history, with chicken consumption reaching 49.3 kg per capita compared to beef at 48.5 kg, according to the Rosario Grain Exchange. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Meat and Derivatives of Argentina (CICCRA) further noted that higher cattle farming costs relative to pork and chicken have driven beef prices upward, accelerating the shift in consumer preferences.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Balance Domestic Supply and Export Stability

To address Bolivia’s beef market challenges, the government should consider implementing a quota-based export system rather than a complete suspension. This would allow controlled exports while ensuring sufficient domestic supply. Additionally, enhancing price monitoring and transparency through a real-time tracking system can help detect abnormal fluctuations and prevent price manipulation. Lastly, strengthening anti-smuggling efforts through tighter border security and market surveillance can prevent illegal exports, which may be contributing to domestic price instability.

Mitigate the Impact of Disease on Beef Production

Given the projected decline in French beef production due to disease outbreaks and herd reductions, proactive measures are needed to mitigate the impact. Accelerating disease prevention efforts through increased vaccination coverage and stricter biosecurity measures can help reduce cattle mortality and fertility issues. Expanding financial support for farmers through subsidies, insurance schemes, or direct assistance can help them cope with economic losses from herd reductions. Encouraging genetic improvements in breeding programs can enhance disease resistance and improve fertility rates, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Strengthen Competitiveness in Global Beef Trade

Uruguay’s shift in beef exports from China to the US highlights the need to optimize trade with high-value markets. Prioritizing exports to the US, where higher prices are paid, while maintaining a presence in China for volume-based sales, can help balance revenue generation and market stability. Enhancing processing efficiency through investments in advanced meat processing technologies can allow Uruguay to produce high-margin beef cuts that appeal to premium buyers. Diversifying beef product offerings, such as organic and grass-fed options, can help differentiate Uruguayan exports and command higher prices in niche markets. Expanding sustainable beef certification programs will reinforce Uruguay’s commitment to environmental and ethical farming practices, attracting environmentally conscious consumers.

Sources: Tridge, Agromeat, Agropopular, Bichos de campo, NoticiasAgricolas,