US Trade War: Brazil Prepares for Increased Demand

Brazilian Agricultural Exporters to Benefit from U.S.-China Trade War

SAO PAULO, March 6 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war with China is expected to provide Brazilian agricultural exporters with an opportunity to capture a larger share of the Chinese market, potentially at the expense of American farmers. However, this shift could also exacerbate already high food inflation in Brazil.

In response to new U.S. duties announced by Trump, China swiftly imposed tariffs of 10% and 15% on $21 billion worth of American agricultural goods, including meat and soybeans. Brazil, as the world’s largest exporter of soy, cotton, beef, and chicken meat, is poised to increase its exports to China as importers seek tariff-free alternatives.

During Trump’s first term, the trade war led to U.S. farmers losing significant market share to Brazil, particularly for China’s valuable soybean imports. The U.S. has not regained that market share, and China’s reliance on Brazilian agricultural imports has continued to grow. This trend is likely to accelerate with the latest round of tariffs.

While this presents a significant opportunity for Brazilian exporters, it also raises concerns about domestic food inflation. Increased demand from China could drive up prices for Brazilian consumers, adding pressure to an already strained economy.

Original story: Reuters

UK Bans Some Animal Imports from Hungary & Slovakia

Britain Bans Animal Imports from Hungary and Slovakia to Prevent Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spread

Britain has banned imports of cattle, pigs, and other animal products from Hungary and Slovakia following a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary. The government announced the ban in a statement on Friday, aiming to prevent the spread of the disease.

As of 8th March, travellers will not be allowed to bring meat, meat products, milk, dairy products, and animal by-products of pigs and ruminants from the two countries. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated, “We will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads,” emphasising that the situation will be continuously reviewed and closely monitored with authorities.

Currently, there are no cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Britain. While the disease poses no danger to humans, it causes fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, often leading to trade restrictions.

Original story: Reuters

Foot and Mouth Disease Confirmed at Hungarian Farm

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed at a farm in Hungary, marking the first outbreak in the country in over 50 years. The disease was detected in a dairy herd located in the Gyor area, near the Slovak border.

This outbreak has raised concerns among the agricultural community and authorities due to the highly contagious nature of FMD and its potential economic impact.

The National Food Chain Safety Authority confirmed the presence of the pathogen after 1,400 head of cattle exhibited classic FMD symptoms. Chief Veterinary Officer Szabolcs Pásztor has ordered the immediate closure of the affected farm and initiated an epidemiological investigation to determine the source and extent of the outbreak. The Hungarian authorities have also imposed a ban on the transport of susceptible livestock to prevent the spread of the disease.

Foot-and-mouth disease primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. It causes significant economic losses due to production declines and restrictions on international trade. The last reported case of FMD in Hungary was over half a century ago, making this outbreak particularly alarming for the country’s livestock industry.

In response to the outbreak, the UK government has announced an import ban on live animals, fresh meat, and meat products from Hungary and Slovakia. This precautionary measure aims to protect the UK’s livestock industry from potential exposure to the disease. Businesses involved in the import of these products have been advised to suspend their activities and seek further instructions from the Port Health Authority.

The Hungarian authorities are working diligently to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. The epidemiological investigation will provide crucial insights into the origin of the disease and help implement effective control measures.

Trump Suspends Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

Trump Suspends Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump suspended the 25% tariffs he imposed earlier this week on most goods from Canada and Mexico. This latest move in his fluctuating trade policy has caused market volatility and raised concerns about inflation and economic growth.

The exemptions for Canada and Mexico, the two largest U.S. trading partners, will expire on April 2. Trump has threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs on all U.S. trading partners globally after this date. Initially, Trump mentioned an exemption only for Mexico, but later extended it to Canada as well. The three countries are part of the North American trade pact.

In response, Canada will delay a planned second wave of retaliatory tariffs on CAD 125 billion (USD 87.4 billion) worth of U.S. products until April 2, according to Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

The amended White House order also excludes duties on potash, a critical fertilizer for U.S. farmers, but does not fully cover energy products, which are subject to a separate 10% levy.

Original story: Reuters

Irish Pig Market Update

Steady Pig Prices and Increased Throughput in Ireland

Prices

Deadweight pig prices in Ireland have remained steady for several weeks, following a slight drop at the start of 2025. For the week ending 23rd February 2025, the average price paid for grade E pigs was €1.99/kg excluding VAT. This is 5c/kg higher than the corresponding week in 2024, when the price was €1.94/kg.

Throughput

Total throughput year-to-date (YTD) is 514,368, which is 3% ahead of the corresponding period in 2024. In week eight, 67,942 pigs were processed, including 2,243 sows.

According to the latest Performance and Prospects Report, overall pig supplies, including exports, increased by 2% (+70k head) to 3.65 million pigs during 2024. Irish pigmeat production rose by an estimated 4% in 2024, reaching approximately 310,000 tonnes.

This increase was driven by both higher pig supplies and slightly increased average carcase weights. The rate of recovery gained momentum as the year progressed, following a 10% decline in 2023 due to higher feed costs and depressed market prices.

Bord Bia

Irish Sheep Market Update

Hogget Prices Hold Steady Amid Tight Supply and Rising Export Demand

The Irish sheep market remains firm in early March 2025, with hogget prices stabilizing due to tight supply conditions and increased demand ahead of Ramadan. According to industry reports, base quotes from major processors are around €8.80/kg, including Quality Assurance (QA) bonuses, with some deals reaching €9.00/kg for hoggets meeting premium specifications.

Market Drivers: Ramadan Demand and Supply Constraints

The recovery in base quotes coincides with the seasonal surge in demand for sheepmeat in key export markets during Ramadan. This has led to:

Stronger liveweight trade across marts
Firm competition for suitable lots
Reduced carcass weight limits by some processors (down 1kg to 23kg)

Supply Situation: National and EU Trends

The current market strength is underpinned by very tight sheep supplies, a trend mirrored across the UK and EU. Contributing factors include:

Contraction in breeding flocks
Adverse weather conditions in spring 2024
Disease outbreaks affecting flock health

The total sheep kill in DAFM-approved plants reached 44,091 head last week, slightly up from the previous week. However, the year-to-date total of 302,541 head is 23% lower than the same period in 2024.

Price Trends: Domestic and International Comparisons

Deadweight price (week ending Feb 23): Rose to €8.87/kg, continuing a three-week upward trend after early-year declines.
Mainland GB lamb prices: Equivalent to €8.78/kg, up 1c/kg.
Northern Ireland: Increased to €8.40/kg, up 12c/kg.

Southern Hemisphere prices remain below EU levels but are showing modest gains:

Australia: €4.72/kg
New Zealand: €4.46/kg

Conclusion

The Irish sheep trade is showing resilience in March 2025, with hogget prices stabilizing amid tight supply and seasonal export demand. As Ramadan approaches and global supply remains constrained, Irish producers are well-positioned to benefit from firm market conditions.

Bord Bia

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update

Irish Cattle Trade Prices Update – Early March 2025

Market Overview

The Irish cattle trade entered March with steady prices and cautious optimism. Despite tight supply conditions, demand from processors remains firm, particularly for prime cattle. The Irish cattle trade prices March 2025 reflect a stable market, supported by consistent factory quotes and strong export interest.

Price Movements

Steers and Heifers: Base quotes for steers range from €4.80 to €4.90/kg, while heifers are quoted slightly higher in some regions.
Cull Cows: Prices remain firm, with quotes between €3.80 and €4.10/kg depending on grade and location.
Young Bulls: Demand is steady, especially for U and R grades, with prices averaging €4.70/kg.

Processors continue to compete for quality stock, and some are offering bonuses for animals meeting specific weight and conformation targets.

Regional Trends

In Munster and Leinster, throughput remains moderate, with producers holding back cattle in anticipation of stronger prices. Meanwhile, Connacht and Ulster report increased interest from Northern buyers, adding pressure to local supply.

Export demand, particularly from continental Europe, continues to support pricing. This is especially true for beef cuts destined for Germany and Italy, where retail and foodservice sectors are showing signs of recovery.

Outlook

The Irish cattle trade prices March 2025 are expected to remain firm in the short term. However, weather conditions and feed costs may influence supply volumes later in the month. Stakeholders should monitor factory demand and export trends closely to adjust procurement strategies.

Bord Bia

China Suspends Beef Imports from Meatpacking Facilities

China’s customs authorities have suspended beef imports from seven meatpacking facilities across Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mongolia as of 3rd March 2025.

The affected companies include two Argentine exporters (Frigorífico Regional General Las Heras SA and Frio Dock SA), three Brazilian slaughterhouses (Frisa Frigorífico Rio Doce S/A, Bon-Mart Frigorífico Ltda, and JBS S/A), one Uruguayan facility (Frigorífico Sirsil SA), and a Mongolian supplier.

No official reason was provided, but the move follows a record 2.87 million metric tonnes of beef imports in 2024, which led to an oversupplied market and historically low domestic beef prices in China.

The suspensions come amid an ongoing investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce into the surge of beef imports and their impact on local producers.

In Brazil, the suspensions are linked to non-compliance with Chinese registration requirements, and the affected companies are working on corrective measures. The Brazilian Association of Meat Exporters (Abiec) stated that the companies involved have been notified and are adopting corrective measures to meet Chinese health authority requirements.

Argentina’s Frigorífico Regional General Las Heras SA faced issues after failing to deliver 70 containers in November 2024 due to exchange rate problems and operational constraints. The company has been working to resolve these issues and fulfil contracts.

China, the world’s largest beef importer, relies heavily on Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay as key suppliers. The import surge has raised concerns about potential trade restrictions, with results from the investigation expected by the end of 2025.

This could affect major exporters, including Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and the United States, especially as China has already announced a 10% tariff on US beef starting 10th March 2025. The situation reflects Beijing’s efforts to stabilise its domestic market amid claims that excessive imports are harming Chinese cattle farmers.

Original story: MercoPress

The Ancient York Butchers Guild Names New Master

Dr. Jason Aldiss BEM, Executive Director of AIMS, has been appointed as the first vet to become the Master of The York Butcher’s Guild in its 700+ year history.

Jason expressed his surprise and honour at the appointment, having been a long-time member of the Guild. Historically, the Guild has been involved in matters of hygiene, weights and measures, and meat regulations, and even acted as the city executioner.

Jason humorously assured that his duties as Master would focus on administering the Charitable Trust within the City of York and Yorkshire.

The York Butchers Gild Charitable Trust was properly constituted in 1992. The Trust focuses on administering charitable activities within the City of York and the historic county of Yorkshire.

Historically, the Gild has been involved in various civic duties, including matters of hygiene, weights and measures, and meat regulations.

Plans to Reopen and Expand Dorset Abattoir Approved

Plans to reopen and expand an abattoir in Bradpole, Dorset, have been approved despite some residents’ concerns over traffic, light, and noise pollution.

The facility at Mangerton Lane, which had been shut for a year, has been acquired by Shropshire-based Pickstock Telford Ltd. The former farm site was first converted to abattoir use in the early 1990s.

One local farmer told councillors that the area needed the facility to be reopened, as it would be better for animal welfare by avoiding the need to transport animals long distances. Dorset Council’s area planning committee voted almost unanimously in favour of the plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Simon Christopher supported the animal welfare argument and welcomed the additional jobs that reopening and expanding the business would bring. The committee heard that the new operators would be increasing the size of buildings on the site, enhancing security, and making changes to the car park.

Additionally, a 3m (9.8ft) timber acoustic fence would be installed, and landscaping would be added to the northern and eastern boundaries, creating a biodiversity net gain.

Original story: BBC News