Brazilian meat exports continue to grow and that adds downward pressure to the world market, affecting Argentina

According to new estimates from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this year Brazil would export 3 million tons of meat, which means a growth of 2.6% compared to sales in 2023. It is almost as much meat as all that Argentina produces. This growth has to do with the greater work that that country would have, as a consequence of a productive liquidation cycle, due to the low prices that the farm has and which discourage livestock farmers. The price of a steer in Brazil is around $2.80. In Uruguay this value is 3.50 and in Argentina it is 4.10 dollars per live kilo. Less is also paid for cows that go to slaughter, although the gap is 20 to 30 dollar cents compared to the prices achieved in Argentina or Uruguay. The liquidation phase of the Brazilian herd will boost beef production this year, which would reach “11.4 million tons of bone-in beef, which represents a growth of more than 4% compared to 2023.” “Brazil is the second largest beef producer in the world behind ...