As occurred during the weeks of sharp price declines in March, disparity returned to the finished cattle market. Some companies stepped away from the market or are quoting lower purchase prices, while others are maintaining the same price levels or even a few cents above last week’s references.
The norm is for relatively short slaughter bookings, around 7 days after deals are closed, although some extend to 10 days and others are already offering bookings only for mid-next month without quoting purchase prices. “The plants that are shorter are those more demanding in quality or those working with kosher teams,” an intermediary explained.
Supply is not abundant, although “last week a few more cattle appeared, especially cows,” the source said, while clarifying that this additional supply already seems to have faded.
Finished steers are selling at US$ 5.60, up to US$ 5.70 for special-quality cattle. As usual, in isolated cases a few cents more are being paid. Cows are quoted between US$ 5.30 and up to US$ 5.40 for heavy cows. In the case of heifers, there is intense competition between feedlots and domestic market operators, since both seek the same type of animals with 180-200 kg carcasses. Prices can reach up to US$ 5.60 or a few cents more.
The stability — and even some downward corrections — seen in key international markets (Europe and the United States), together with a moderate increase in supply, will likely limit the chances of maintaining the upward trend in the coming days.
