The regional average value of slaughter cattle declined for the third consecutive week, pressured mainly by lower Brazilian cattle prices following the completion of production for exports to China.
The WBR Mercosur Steer Index fell 5 cents during the week to US$ 4.67/kg carcass weight, accumulating a decline of 23 cents over the past three weeks.
In Brazil, the average boi gordo price lost US$ 0.07 during the week, falling to US$ 4.12/kg carcass weight. It is the lowest level since mid-February, 20 weeks ago.
In Argentina, the export steer price was unchanged in local currency terms, but a 0.6% depreciation of the exchange rate reduced the dollar-denominated reference by 3 cents to US$ 5.64/kg carcass weight, including the 5% export tax on steer beef.
In Uruguay, the market remains firm, with top-quality export steers quoted on a base of US$ 5.60/kg carcass weight.
In Paraguay, stability continues to prevail, although expectations of increased cattle availability have fueled speculation about potential downward price adjustments. The reference price for standard steers remains at US$ 5.00/kg.
