The Paraguayan slaughter cattle market showed a slight downward correction, although deals for male cattle with premiums are still being concluded at US$5.10-5.15/kg.
Some plants have lowered their bids to US$4.95/kg, while cows are quoted at around US$4.75/kg, with premiums of up to 5% for feedlot-finished cattle.
"Prices have eased somewhat, but not significantly," one market operator told World Beef Report (WBR). In his view, weather conditions have limited cattle marketings, and supply is still not large enough to establish a clear downward trend.
Bookings are generally running between 10 and 15 days.
The sharp decline in Brazilian cattle prices is adding pressure to the Paraguayan market. In the neighboring state of Mato Grosso, finished cattle are trading at around US$4.30/kg, although demand for cattle suitable for kosher slaughter continues to provide some support to prices.
