Brazil pushes for better prices from China

With several Brazilian plants relatively “comfortable” in terms of sales after booking deals in previous weeks for shipments through July, packers stood firm this week in their push for higher prices. Trading sources quoted references to World Beef Report (WBR) of US$/t 5,900 CFR for forequarters in 8 cuts. One exporter added that “talks are already above US$/t 6,000,” while robbed forequarters were quoted around US$/t 4,950. Another processor said that as cattle prices are rising in Brazil, they opted to pull offers this week and wait before booking new shipments.

Similarly, sources in Argentina said Chinese importers “are back in the market” and actively looking for product. “We’ll see if that renewed interest translates into better prices—it should,” an exporter told WBR. An Argentine broker noted that between Monday and Tuesday, prices in China rose by around US$/t 150, with cow in 6 cuts breaking the US$/t 5,500 CFR barrier—a level not seen since early April.

In Uruguay, the pricing gap remains “difficult” to bridge. A trader said that industry was offering shin & shank at US$/t 6,000 CFR this week, roughly US$/t 300 above the level buyers were willing to pay.

According to data from OIG+X, beef prices held firm last week, with some cuts gaining US$/t 100–200. Trading activity was moderate as the Chinese market showed no clear signs of improvement and uncertainty over future price trends persisted. As a result, Chinese importers remained cautious, and negotiations stalled under the weight of elevated forward prices, the consultancy reported.