Brazil’s fed cattle market recovered during the final week of May, with prices moving higher in several key cattle-producing regions after weakening through much of the month. In São Paulo, the country’s benchmark market, the China-qualified finished male closed the week at R$/@ 352, up R$/@ 4 from the previous Friday, while the standard finished male rose to R$/@ 347.
The improvement came despite May ending with lower average prices across most producing states. According to Agrifatto, the average price in São Paulo was R$/@ 348.46, down 3.9% from April, pressured by seasonally abundant supplies of slaughter-ready cattle. However, the resilience of prices during the second half of the month and the recovery in B3 cattle futures suggest that downward pressure is beginning to ease.
Market support continues to come from exceptionally strong export demand. According to Secex data cited by Scot Consultoria, Brazil shipped 203,500 tons of beef during the first 15 business days of May, generating US$ 1.3 billion in revenue. Compared with the same period in 2025, daily export volumes increased 30.7%, the average export price per ton rose 24.8%, and export revenue jumped 63.1%. If this pace is maintained, Brazil’s beef exports could reach around 270,000 tons in May.
For June, analysts remain somewhat cautious because bookings remain relatively comfortable, averaging seven business days nationwide, according to Agrifatto. However, accelerated Chinese buying ahead of the exhaustion of import quotas, together with strong US demand, could limit further downside and help keep the market relatively firm in the coming weeks.
