The Global Livestock Report

Australia is not typically a major supplier of beef to the European market, but Europe’s growing import needs are driving a rapid increase in shipments to the region.

Paraguay’s cattle market extended its firm tone over the past week, with strong buying pressure from processors and transactions above list prices. For standard male cattle, plants are paying US$ 4.55–4.60 per kg carcass weight, with scope for further improvement depending on lot quality and immediate slaughter needs.

Paraguay’s National Competition Commission (CONACOM) confirmed concrete progress in the investigation opened against seven export meatpackers, amid indications of potential anti-competitive practices, mainly linked to alleged price collusion in the beef market.

The fact that the US tariff-rate quota for “other countries”, under which Paraguay operates, was filled just days into the year significantly curtailed Paraguayan exports to the United States in January.

Activity at Paraguay’s export-oriented meatpacking industry fell sharply in the first month of the year. SENACSA reported that 148,267 head of cattle were processed in January, 28% less than in January 2025 and the lowest January figure since 2021.

The upward momentum seen last week in some categories has fully materialized. British-cross steers of higher carcass quality moved into the AR$ 8,000–8,150 per kg on the hook range, while zebu-cross steers rose to AR$ 7,800–8,000.