Mercosur steer index posts slight drop

The WBR Mercosur Steer Index edged down 2 cents last week to US$ 3.83 per kg carcass. One key change in regional cattle markets was Brazil’s end of its recent downward trend. The average for exporting states gained 1 cent to US$ 3.40 per kg carcass after four weekly drops totaling 20 cents. The fat male @ price rose 0.4% to R$ 288, while the real appreciated 0.3% against the dollar.

Uruguay continued strengthening, with top export steers gaining 8 cents to US$ 4.88 per kg carcass.

In Australia, the special steer for export dropped 20 cents last week to US$ 4.52 per kg carcass, impacted by both lower cattle prices in A$ and a 3.8% depreciation of the currency versus the US dollar.

Prices in Paraguay remained unchanged, with steers at US$ 3.80 per kg carcass, though the market was considered nominal at the week’s start.