The Global Livestock Report

Brazil declared itself free of the avian influenza virus last Wednesday (18), after no new outbreaks of the disease were detected on commercial poultry farms since the first case in May, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa).

The arrival of U.S. beef in China was heavily affected by the tariff war. According to GACC data, 5,481 tons of beef entered China from the United States in May, down 57% from the previous month and the lowest volume in several years.

China imported 510,000 tons of meat and offal in May for US$ 1.79 billion, according to data from the GACC reported by OIG+X. The volume was 7.9% lower than in the same month last year, while the average import value declined by a smaller margin, 6.6%.

In the first five months of 2025, Chile imported 102,370 tons of beef at an average CIF value of US$/t 6,289, according to data from Odepa. The volume rose 2% compared to the same period in 2024, while the average value increased by 13%.

Industry price lists for cattle purchases remained unchanged over the past week, with reference prices of US$ 3.50 per kg carcass weight for regular steers and US$ 3.20 for finished cows. Although some deals were closed, a market intermediary told WBR that producers are “holding their ground and refusing to sell at these prices,” and considered it “possible” that some price movement could occur next week.

Export steer prices rose by Ar$ 100 per kilo carcass weight —around 2%— after remaining stable for just over a month. Crossbred British-type finished steers are now trading between Ar$ 5,100 and 5,200 per kilo carcass weight, while zebu crossbreeds are selling for Ar$ 4,900 to 5,100.