The average value of slaughter cattle in the region began 2026 on a firmer tone. The World Beef Report (WBR) Mercosur Steer Index rose 4 cents on the week to US$ 4.31 per kilo carcass weight, moving closer to the highs reached late last year.
The increase was driven by the appreciation of the exchange rate in Brazil and price gains recorded in Uruguay and Paraguay.
In Brazil, the 2.1% appreciation of the real more than offset a moderate decline in cattle prices in the local currency. As a result, the average value of finished male cattle in Brazil’s main livestock regions increased 6 cents to US$ 3.74 per kilo carcass weight.
In Argentina, export steer prices remained stable in local currency but fell 7 cents in dollar terms to US$ 5.56 per kilo carcass weight, a reference that includes the 5% export tax on steer beef.
In Uruguay the market is firm, with strong demand from the industry seeking to secure raw material. Special steers increased by 10 cents in the week to around US$ 5.15 per kilo.
In Paraguay, list prices remain at US$ 4.20, although deals are being closed at up to US$ 4.30 per kilo carcass weight.
