Minor correction in the average steer price across the region

The average price of steers for slaughter in Mercosur countries experienced a slight correction of 1 cent during the week. The WBR Mercosur Steer Index stood at US$ 4.01 per kilo carcass weight.

There were upward and downward pressures at play. The main bearish factor was the price correction in Brazil, driven by an increase in supply. This was partially offset by a 0.8% appreciation of the real during the week. The average price of the finished male in Brazil’s main cattle-producing states dropped 1 cent to US$ 3.66 per kilo carcass weight.

In Argentina, the increase in export steer prices was more than offset by a 2.3% depreciation of the exchange rate. In dollar terms — including the beef export tax — the reference price fell 7 cents to US$ 4.69 per kilo.

In Uruguay, the market strengthened again. High-quality export steers quote around US$ 5.10 per kilo.

In Paraguay, prices remained unchanged for the fourth consecutive week, with steers for slaughter quoted at US$ 3.50 per kilo.