Uruguay beef export prices hit record high amid tight cattle supply

After continuous increases throughout the year, the fattened cattle market has stabilized, with slaughterhouses offering lower prices — though these are not yet being accepted by producers — in a market currently highlighted by record beef export prices from Uruguay.

Despite the current stability, steers have recorded 23 consecutive weeks of price increases, according to the Association of Livestock Consignors (ACG), reaching an average of USD 5.06 per kilo.

Beef export prices reach historic highs

The strength of the international market, even in the face of trade uncertainty, is reflected in a record-high average export price of USD 5,969 per tonne of beef. A key factor has been shipments to the European Union — a market that pays premium prices and saw a 50% increase in volume this year.

Although this figure is still provisional and subject to revision, it currently represents the highest average in the historical series recorded by Uruguay’s National Meat Institute (INAC), approximately USD 300 above the previous record set in May 2022.

Here is a historical overview of Uruguayan bovine meat exports to the United States starting from January 2022. The chart was prepared using data from DataLiner:

Uruguayan Bovine Meat Exports to the United States – Jan 2022 to May 2025 – TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Since last week, there have been signs of price drops in China, linked to tariff issues, and growing anticipation surrounds the impact of the newly announced 50% U.S. tariffs on Brazilian beef imports, which will take effect on August 1.

Over the past 30 rolling days, the export price has held at USD 5,035 per tonne, sustaining a cattle market where “there’s some intention to adjust prices, especially from the larger meatpackers, but so far this hasn’t materialized due to the limited availability of well-finished cattle,” said Fernando de la Peña, from Fernando de la Peña Rural Business.

“The end of June and the first half of July were very harsh in terms of weather, and the animals are still not well finished,” the broker added.

Steers, cows, and heifers

With greater difficulty in achieving peak prices seen in recent days, deals for steers are being closed between USD 5.00 and USD 5.10 per kilo on the fourth scale.

Cows are being negotiated between USD 4.70 and USD 4.90 per kilo. Special-grade heifers are fetching around USD 4.95 per kilo, with domestic demand remaining strong.

There continues to be wide variation in pricing and slaughter timelines among meatpackers — some are processing feedlot cattle for the EU’s 481 quota, while others are not.

Américo Pont, from Innova Campos y Ganados, described a calmer market, with meatpackers taking a wait-and-see approach regarding supply, which for now lacks well-finished animals.

Source: El Observador, traduzida e adaptada pela Equipe BeefPoint.

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