High demand for Australian beef from the U.S. and China is driving global prices for red meat and cattle, according to analyst Georgiy Kukhaleishvili of the Milk Producers Association.
In the U.S., due to a reduction in cattle numbers, beef prices have risen to record levels, while China is more actively purchasing Australian meat amid trade restrictions with the U.S. High export demand is helping to stabilize prices in Australia and maintain the margins of processors.
In Ukraine, in September, bulls weighing over 400 kg cost 106–112 UAH/kg, while high-quality cows cost 96–105 UAH/kg. Prices rose by 2% over the month, reaching 108–115 UAH/kg in October.
According to the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, in September Ukraine exported 558 tons of live cattle (–45% compared to August), 104 tons of chilled beef (+5.5 times), and 1,170 tons of frozen beef (–13.4%). The main buyers were Lebanon, China, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. The export balance in September remained positive at $5.97 million.