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Trade4go
Feb 28th, 2025
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The Argentine Beef Promotion Institute (IPCVA) participated in Gulfood 2025, held in Dubai from February 17 to 21, 2025, as part of its strategy to expand Argentine beef exports in halal markets. The event served as a platform to showcase Argentine beef to buyers from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, with IPCVA officials highlighting the need to diversify exports beyond China by strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and the Arab world. IPCVA set up a 200-square-meter pavilion featuring ten leading Argentine meat exporters, offering product samples and tastings. High-level meetings were held with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officials and industry leaders to explore new export opportunities and facilitate market access. Additionally, renowned chefs and social media influencers helped boost the visibility of Argentine beef through live demonstrations and online promotions, further enhancing its appeal in the region.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) successfully strengthened Brazil's agribusiness presence in the Arab market through its mission to the UAE from February 17 to February 19, 2025. The delegation participated in Gulfood 2025, where Brazil showcased its agricultural diversity through seven themed pavilions, highlighting beef, poultry, and superfoods. Technical visits to BRF and Seara Brasil facilities, two prominent Brazilian food processing companies specializing in meat products, emphasized Brazil's ability to meet growing protein demand in the Middle East. Key bilateral meetings addressed trade issues, including export certifications, the Mercosur-UAE Free Trade Agreement, and the reopening of suspended establishments. Additionally, Bhutan accepted Brazil’s International Health Certificate (CSI) for frozen beef exports, marking the country’s 26th market opening in 2025 and reinforcing trade ties in Asia. Meanwhile, a separate mission to Vietnam from February 13 to February 15, 2025, aimed to expand Brazilian beef, pork, and poultry exports, with high-level meetings identifying new trade opportunities.
Taiwan's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency (Aphia) has authorized Paraguay’s Frigorífico Pirayú to export pork and Frigorífico Victoria to export beef following a thorough inspection. Effective from February 18, 2025, this approval strengthens Paraguay’s meat exports to Taiwan, a key trade partner. In 2024, Taiwan became the largest importer of Paraguayan pork, increasing purchases by 108% from 2023 and accounting for 87% of shipments, valued at USD 29 million. It also ranked as Paraguay’s second-largest beef buyer, importing 39.99 thousand metric tons (mt) worth USD 197.6 million, representing 11% of the country’s total beef exports.
The South Korean government is reviewing non-tariff barriers on United States (US) beef imports in response to the US policy of imposing reciprocal tariffs based on trade restrictions. A key point of contention is the longstanding regulation that permits only US beef from cattle under 30 months of age, a measure implemented following the 2008 mad cow disease protests. The US views this restriction as excessive and may apply pressure for its relaxation. Although no formal trade negotiations have begun, concerns are mounting over potential US demands for regulatory changes. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) asserts that current beef quarantine measures are based on scientific protocols. As trade uncertainties grow, officials are exploring various strategies to balance the protection of domestic agriculture with the demands of international trade relations.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided not to restrict cattle imports from Mexico despite the recent detection of New World screwworm in a cow in Tabasco, Mexico. This harmful pest, which can infest livestock, wildlife, and even humans, previously led the US to ban Mexican cattle imports in Nov-24. However, the USDA lifted the ban on February 1, 2025, under new health assessment protocols and confirmed it will not reinstate restrictions following the latest case. US cattle supplies remain tight, with inventories at a 74-year low due to drought-driven herd reductions, keeping beef prices high. The screwworm discovery briefly drove feeder cattle futures higher, as traders speculated on potential import restrictions.
Weekly Beef Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)
Yearly Change in Beef Pricing Important Exporters (W8 2024 to W8 2025)
In W8, Brazil’s wholesale price for boneless rear beef declined by 1.73% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 4.66 per kilogram (kg), marking a 4.21% month-on-month (MoM) and 2.97% year-on-year (YoY) drop. Despite this decrease in USD terms, the price remained stable in local currency at BRL 27/kg, reflecting the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. According to Safras and Mercado, beef prices in the wholesale market remain at comfortable levels, with limited room for adjustments in the short term due to subdued consumption trends in the second half of Feb-25. The physical market for beef cattle continued to experience low prices across major production and sales centers. This downward trend is attributed to the increased supply of female cattle, allowing meatpackers to maintain strong slaughter activity. This trend is expected to persist in the short term, supported by the current slaughter scale positions and wholesale meat price movements. Meanwhile, meatpacking companies in Brazil are pressuring purchase prices for new batches of beef cattle, as they respond to ongoing meat devaluation, according to the Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (Cepea).
Australia’s National Young Cattle Indicator averaged USD 2.26/kg in W8, marking a 10.24% WoW increase, a 4.15% MoM rise, and a 5.61% YoY gain. According to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), the cattle market remained positive, with cattle yardings increasing by 2.25 thousand heads to 65.29 thousand heads. The price surge was largely driven by a shortage of well-finished cattle that meet buyer specifications. The Feeder Steer Indicator also saw an uptick, particularly in South Australia (SA) and Victoria, where prices rose despite mixed-quality cattle in SA. New South Wales (NSW) experienced strong bidding activity, especially for well-finished cattle, despite a higher proportion of secondary-quality animals. Additionally, a price gap between the Restocker Steer and Heifer indicators has led lot feeders to show increased interest in purchasing heifers. At Tamworth, market reports indicated higher demand for heavyweight restocker cattle, while interest in lighter animals remained subdued.
In W8, US lean beef (92% to 94%) averaged USD 8.56/kg, marking a 1.42% WoW increase for the seventh consecutive week. Prices reached their highest level since W38 of 2024, nearing the record high set in W36 of 2024 at USD 8.73/kg. On a broader scale, lean beef prices rose 5.16% MoM and surged 21.76% YoY, primarily driven by a tightening domestic supply due to a shrinking US cow herd. According to the USDA, the 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 herd contraction. As a result, US beef production in 2025 is projected to drop by 4.4% YoY, with per capita beef consumption expected to decline by 2.68% to 58 pounds (lbs) per person.
In W8, Argentina’s average steer beef price rose to USD 2.45/kg, marking a 1.62% WoW increase, a 9.46% MoM rise, and a significant 19.65% YoY surge. The sharp YoY increase reflects weak beef consumption in 2024 due to economic challenges, while the recent WoW rise is attributed to supply concerns. According to the Argentine Meat Exporters Consortium (ABC), cattle slaughter in Jan-25 totaled 1.14 million heads, down 8.1% MoM and 2% YoY. This led to a 6% MoM drop and a 1.5% YoY decline in beef production, which fell to 263.9 thousand mt. The supply of light cattle categories declined in Jan-25 compared to Dec-24, while steer and cow availability increased. Despite rising prices driven by supply concerns, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Meat and Derivatives of the Argentine Republic (CICCRA) reports that apparent beef consumption per capita in Jan-25 was 47.0 kg/year, representing a 3.2% decline from Jan-24. This means Argentines are consuming 1.5 kg less beef than a year ago.
Argentina should deepen its engagement with halal markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East by securing additional halal certifications and forging long-term supply agreements. Establishing local distribution partnerships and investing in consumer education through influencer marketing and chef collaborations will enhance brand recognition. Moreover, targeting high-value segments, such as premium grass-fed beef, can differentiate Argentine products from competitors.
To capitalize on Taiwan’s growing demand for Paraguayan pork and beef, Paraguay should work on diversifying its meat offerings and increasing production capacity to meet export demand. Establishing a strong quality assurance framework and fostering diplomatic ties with Taiwan can ensure long-term trade stability. Furthermore, exploring additional Asian markets with similar consumer preferences, such as Japan and South Korea, can help expand Paraguay’s meat exports.
Given the recurring screwworm cases in Mexico, the USDA should reinforce cross-border inspection protocols and collaborate with Mexican authorities on pest eradication programs. Implementing advanced tracking systems for imported cattle and investing in early detection methods will mitigate potential outbreaks. Additionally, supporting domestic cattle production through strategic incentives can help counteract supply shortages and stabilize beef prices.
Sources: Tridge, Agromeat, Canal Rural, Nongmin, Noticias Agricolas
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