Brazilian Meatpackers Reconsider U.S. Beef Exports Amid Tariff Pressures – July 2025

The latest Brazilian meatpackers U.S. beef exports 2025 update highlights major challenges for South America’s largest beef supplier. Exporters are rethinking their shipments to the United States after steep tariffs were reintroduced under former President Donald Trump’s trade policy.

Tariff Impact on Brazilian Beef

The U.S. government has applied new tariffs on a wide range of imported goods. These include several agricultural products, with beef among the hardest hit. Consequently, Brazilian beef now faces higher costs at the U.S. border. This change makes it less competitive when compared with American and other global suppliers.

Industry leaders warn that these tariffs could reduce export volumes. Premium beef cuts, which traditionally serve the U.S. retail and foodservice sectors, may be affected most.

Industry Response and Market Outlook

Brazilian meat companies are already exploring alternative markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. They aim to offset potential losses and reduce reliance on the American market. In addition, the meat industry lobby has urged the Brazilian government to engage Washington in talks. They want exemptions or tariff relief to protect long-term trade.

Meanwhile, analysts believe the tariffs may encourage exporters to divert beef to other regions. Increased shipments to China and North Africa are possible, while domestic processing could also see renewed investment.

Global Beef Trade Shifts

This development shows how geopolitical decisions can quickly reshape trade. Higher U.S. beef import tariffs may open opportunities for competitors such as Australia and Argentina, while creating new challenges for Brazil.

In summary, the Brazilian meatpackers U.S. beef exports 2025 report underlines how tariff changes can alter global beef flows. Exporters and UK traders should continue monitoring developments closely.

Original reporting by Reuters.

Global Food Prices Edge Up in June 2025 as Meat, Dairy and Oils Drive Gains

The global food prices June 2025 update shows a modest rise. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 128.0 points, up 0.5% from May. Declines in cereals and sugar were outweighed by gains in meat, dairy, and vegetable oils.

Key Commodity Trends

Cereals: The index fell by 1.5%, reflecting strong harvests in Argentina and Brazil. As a result, maize, sorghum, and barley prices dropped. However, wheat prices climbed due to poor weather in the EU, Russia, and the United States. Rice also eased slightly, particularly Indica varieties.

Vegetable oils: Global prices increased by 2.3%. Palm oil rose nearly 5%, supported by strong import demand. Furthermore, soy oil strengthened on expectations of higher biofuel use in Brazil and the USA. Rapeseed oil values climbed due to tight supply forecasts, while sunflower oil eased as Black Sea production improved.

Meat: The Meat Price Index gained 2.1%, hitting a record high. Bovine, pig, and ovine meat prices all moved upward. In contrast, poultry values continued to fall, reflecting ongoing market adjustments.

Dairy: The Dairy Price Index rose 0.5%. Butter reached a new record high because of limited supplies in Oceania and the EU. Cheese prices increased for the third month running. On the other hand, milk powder slipped slightly due to weak global demand.

Sugar: The Sugar Price Index declined by 5.2%, marking its fourth consecutive monthly fall. Improved harvests in Brazil, India, and Thailand drove the drop.

Market Outlook

Overall, the global food prices June 2025 report signals cautious optimism. Prices remain 5.8% higher than June 2024, yet well below the March 2022 peak. Rising meat and dairy values could support trade, but grain and sugar softness may limit wider growth.

Original reporting by Mercopress.

Australian Livestock Markets Mid-2025 Update: Lamb Prices Surge

The Australian livestock markets mid-2025 update shows mixed performance. While lamb prices hit record highs, cattle indicators softened amid shifting supply dynamics.

Cattle Market Trends

Cattle yardings rose by 5,240 head, bringing the current total to 61,316. This increase was largely driven by more processor cows, restocker heifers, and steers.
Meanwhile, the Heavy Steer Indicator slipped 18¢ to 364¢/kg liveweight (lwt). In Victoria, the drop was steeper, with a decline of 19¢, although Leongatha still reported a peak of 458¢/kg lwt.
In contrast, the Processor Cow Indicator rose 9¢ to 310¢/kg lwt, supported by strong demand for leaner cows, especially in Victoria where it jumped 23¢.

Winter conditions in parts of Australia are putting pressure on cattle quality. As a result, certain export and trade categories have seen softening prices.

Sheep Market Highlights

Sheep yardings expanded by 3,274 head to 255,334, with lamb yardings up 3,376 head.
The Trade Lamb Indicator jumped 77¢ to 1,148¢/kg carcase weight (cwt). Similarly, the Heavy Lamb Indicator gained 38¢ to 1,135¢/kg cwt.
Record-breaking prices were achieved in key markets: Wagga reported $441/head, and Bendigo hit $435/head, both with average carcase weights around 40–42kg. Notably, well-finished lambs outperformed, with 26–30kg lambs fetching $320–375/head.

Slaughter Volumes

National cattle slaughter declined by 5,981 head, totalling 153,008 head, although this remains 9% higher than the same week in 2024. Queensland contributed most to the decline.
Sheep and lamb slaughter also fell, dropping 14,788 head to 498,773, marking a 15% year-on-year decrease. South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria saw the largest reductions.

Original reporting by Meat & Livestock Australia. Full report available here 

Irish Sheep Prices Hold Firm Amid Seasonal Supply Tightening – July 2025

The Irish sheep prices July 2025 update shows stability across key categories. Strong seasonal demand and tighter supplies are supporting the trade, according to the latest figures from Bord Bia.

Lamb Trade Overview

Factory quotes for spring lambs remained firm. Base prices stood between €7.20 and €7.40/kg, with higher returns available for in-spec lambs and members of producer groups. In addition, heavier lambs suited to Eid al-Adha attracted strong interest, helping to keep values steady.

Meanwhile, live trade has stayed active. Both factory agents and butchers competed at marts, further boosting market confidence.

Cull Ewe Market

Cull ewe prices also held steady. Well-fleshed ewes sold for €2.30–2.60/kg, depending on quality and location. Domestic buyers supported demand, while export interest added further stability.

Market Outlook

Looking ahead, throughput is expected to ease in the coming weeks. Seasonal festival demand should provide a short-term lift, which may keep lamb prices supported through July. However, weather patterns and grass growth will remain critical factors. Limited pasture growth could restrict supplies and maintain firm pricing.

Overall, the Irish sheep prices July 2025 report highlights a market holding steady under pressure. With seasonal demand and supply constraints shaping conditions, Irish lamb and sheep trade is expected to stay resilient in the near term.

Original data and insights sourced from Bord Bia.

Irish Cattle Throughput Rises Slightly as Prices Hold Firm – July 2025 Update

The Irish cattle market has shown modest growth in throughput while maintaining firm prices across most categories. According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), a total of 869,587 head were processed in DAFM-approved plants by the week ending 28 June 2025. This represents a year-on-year increase of 5,758 head.

Throughput Trends in the Irish Cattle Market

• Prime cattle numbers reached 656,185 head, up 1.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
• Young bull slaughter stabilised after an earlier decline, now aligning with 2024 levels.
• Steer and cow throughput declined, with 197,223 cows processed—down 23,000 head year-on-year.
• The shortfall was offset by increased heifer throughput, helping to balance overall supply.

Irish Beef Prices Hold Steady

• Steers: €7.10–€7.20/kg
• Heifers: €7.20–€7.30/kg
• Young bulls (U grade, under 16 months): €7.10–€7.30/kg, with flat prices up to €7.40/kg for R grades
• O grade cows: €6.90/kg
• R grade cows: €7.00/kg
• R3 steers: Average €7.23/kg
• R3 heifers: Average €7.28/kg (down 3c/kg from the previous week)

Prices exclude VAT but include bonuses such as in-spec and breed-based premiums.

EU and UK Market Comparison

• EU R3 young bulls averaged €6.23/kg, up €1.15/kg from 2024.
• UK R3 steer prices remained strong at €7.15/kg, reflecting tight supply and firm demand.

For more insights, see our recent updates on the UK cattle and sheep market and Australian livestock trends.

Bord Bia

UK Cattle and Sheep Prices Stabilise as Slaughter Numbers Remain Low

July 10, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The latest market update from AHDB shows signs of stability in both cattle and sheep prices for the week ending 28 June 2025, following weeks of volatility earlier in the year.

Cattle Market Overview

• The GB all-prime average deadweight cattle price eased slightly by 1p to 631p/kg, still 155p higher than the same week in 2024.
• Cow prices followed a similar trend, down just over 1p to 501p/kg.
• Slaughter volumes remained below year-ago levels, with cow slaughter at just 7,200 head—the lowest for that week in over a decade.

Sheep Market Overview

• The GB deadweight new season lamb (NSL) SQQ averaged 748p/kg, down just 1p from the previous week.
• This represents a much smaller seasonal decline than usual—just 5p over six weeks, compared to the five-year average drop of 80p.
• Liveweight NSL SQQ in England and Wales averaged 350p/kg, down 8p on the week but 15p higher year-on-year.
• Clean sheep slaughter was estimated at 165,400 head, continuing to trend below 2024 levels.

These figures suggest a more stable pricing environment in 2025, contrasting with the sharper fluctuations seen in 2024.

Original data sourced from AHDB 

 

U.S.–China Meat Trade: Exports Plummet Amid High Tariffs and Regulatory Barriers – July 2025

The U.S.–China meat trade has experienced a dramatic downturn in 2025. Pork and beef exports to China have fallen sharply due to persistently high tariffs and unresolved regulatory issues. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, May 2025 marked one of the steepest year-on-year declines in recent trade history.

Key Factors Behind the Collapse in U.S.–China Meat Trade

• U.S. pork exports to China dropped 82 per cent year-on-year to just 6,720 metric tonnes, with export value down 77 per cent to $20.7 million.
• Beef exports to China fell 91 per cent in volume and 90 per cent in value, totalling under 1,400 metric tonnes and less than $15 million.
• Tariffs peaked in April at 172 per cent for pork and 147 per cent for beef. Although a temporary 90-day easing was announced in mid-May, rates remain high at 57 per cent for pork and 32 per cent for beef.
• China has not renewed export registrations for many U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, rendering large volumes of U.S. beef ineligible for export

Broader Trade Impacts and Global Market Shifts

Despite the sharp decline in the U.S.–China meat trade, U.S. meat exports remain strong in other regions:

• Pork exports to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Cuba are on a record pace.
• Beef exports to South Korea reached their highest monthly volume in over two years.
• Strong demand continues in Latin America, the UAE, and Africa.

Industry leaders warn that unless progress is made in U.S.–China trade negotiations before the 12 August tariff deadline, exporters may further reduce production for the Chinese market.

For related updates, see our coverage on the China–Brazil poultry trade and Australian beef exports.

China–Brazil Poultry Trade: Chicken Imports May Resume – July 2025 Update

The China–Brazil poultry trade may soon resume, as Chinese authorities consider lifting restrictions on chicken imports from Brazil. This development follows recent discussions between Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry and Chinese officials, aimed at restoring trade flows and stabilising domestic meat supplies.

Brazil is one of the world’s largest poultry exporters, and China has historically been a key market. Imports were suspended earlier this year due to sanitary concerns, including a confirmed outbreak of bird flu in May 2025. The potential reopening of trade would mark a significant shift in global poultry supply dynamics.

Trade Implications for the China–Brazil Poultry Market

If China resumes chicken imports from Brazil:

• Brazil’s poultry sector could regain lost market share and boost export volumes.
• Competing exporters such as the United States and Thailand may face increased pressure.
• Chinese buyers would benefit from access to Brazil’s long shelf-life frozen chicken products.
• Regional poultry prices and supply chains could be affected.

The Brazilian government remains optimistic, citing ongoing technical discussions and China’s rising demand for high-quality protein.

For related updates, see our coverage on Australian beef exports and livestock market closures in Turkey.

Source: Reuters

Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Surge as Prices Hit New Highs – July 2025

The Australian cattle and sheep markets experienced a sharp rise in early July 2025, with several key price indicators reaching record highs. According to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), strong processor demand and tightening supply are driving the surge across both sectors.

Cattle Market Highlights

The Australian cattle market posted significant gains across multiple categories:

• The Feeder Steer Indicator rose by 20 cents to 417¢/kg liveweight, surpassing the Restocker Steer Indicator by 17 cents.
• Heavy Steer prices increased by 23 cents to 373¢/kg liveweight, supported by limited supply and strong processor interest.
• Queensland recorded the largest price increase at 29 cents, while New South Wales saw a more modest rise of 6 cents.
• National cattle slaughter reached 158,922 head, the highest weekly total since December 2019, with Queensland leading the surge.

Sheep Market Highlights

The Australian sheep market also saw strong upward momentum:

• All lamb indicators reached record highs, with the Heavy Lamb Indicator jumping 68 cents to 1,099¢/kg carcase weight.
• The Trade Lamb Indicator rose by 48 cents to 1,072¢/kg carcase weight.
• The Merino Lamb Indicator increased by 73 cents to 936¢/kg carcase weight, with trade weights fetching up to $232 per head at Dubbo.
• Sheep and lamb yardings fell by over 19,000 head, and slaughter numbers dropped by nearly 92,000 due to processor maintenance shutdowns.

Market Outlook

Despite seasonal tightening in supply, strong demand from both restockers and processors continues to fuel competition and price growth. The Australian cattle and sheep markets are expected to remain firm in the short term, supported by favourable export conditions and limited global supply

Original data sourced from Meat & Livestock Australia 

Australian Beef Exports Hit Record Highs Yet Again – July 2025

Published: 4 July 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The Australian beef export market has once again reached record levels, according to the latest data from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). In July 2025, Australia exported 150,435 tonnes of beef, marking a 12 per cent increase on June’s previous high and a 16 per cent rise compared to July 2024

Key Drivers of Export Growth

This is the fourth time in a year that Australia has broken monthly beef export records. Several factors are contributing to this sustained growth:

• High slaughter volumes: Weekly cattle slaughter has consistently exceeded 150,000 head since April.
• Heavier carcase weights: Average adult cattle carcase weights reached 313kg in Q1 2025.
• Global supply constraints: Declines in beef exports from Argentina, the United States, New Zealand, and Canada have opened up market share for Australia.
• Strong demand: Key markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States continue to show robust demand for chilled and frozen Australian beef.

Competitive Advantage

Australia’s ability to supply consistent, long shelf-life beef products has strengthened its position in global markets. The country’s export performance is being further supported by tight supply conditions among competitors and favourable seasonal processing conditions.

Market Outlook

Looking ahead, analysts are watching for potential shifts in Brazil’s cattle cycle, which could affect global supply dynamics. Seasonal conditions in Australia will also play a role in determining whether record export volumes can be sustained into the final quarter of 2025.

Original reporting by Meat & Livestock Australia