Strong international demand boosts confidence among Argentine exporters

The 2025 Anuga fair left a highly positive balance for Argentina’s meat industry. This was the assessment of Martín Costantini, president of Frigorífico Rioplatense, one of the country’s main export plants, who highlighted the sustained interest from international buyers. “There’s very strong demand—not only in Europe but also in the United States, China, and almost all global markets. We’re leaving with a very good impression and solid results,” he said.

Costantini explained that after a slight decline in Hilton chilled beef prices before the fair, the event helped recover much of that ground. “We saw significant interest and regained most of the drop. Today, prices are again close to the peaks and records of two weeks ago,” he noted.

According to the businessman, the global shortage of beef explains the firmness in prices. “There’s a lack of beef, and that’s evident both in Europe and in the United States. It’s a very good moment for international markets,” he affirmed.

However, he acknowledged that Argentina’s cattle industry has not been able to fully capitalize on this favorable scenario. “For years, we’ve had the same cattle stock. We’ve slightly increased average carcass weights, but we need to return to a virtuous cycle of herd growth, higher weights, and improved calving rates. We’re not taking advantage of this global momentum in volume, as Brazil is,” he said.

Regarding the upcoming 481 quota negotiations, Costantini noted that the volume to be distributed will be reduced by 600 tons, to 2,500 tons. “That reduction will impact prices or the spread with the Hilton quota. But in the end, it all comes down to the same thing—there’s a need for beef, and it will be sold,” he stated.

The executive added that European importers are focusing on higher-value products within the quota, moving away from lower-priced cuts due to greater commercial risk.

Costantini also referred to negotiations with Israel, which could lead to a new increase in kosher beef prices. “Nothing has been finalized yet, but it seems likely there will be an adjustment. Argentina continues to set the benchmark, as it does in Europe. It has more history and prestige in those markets, and that’s reflected in the price references set by other countries,” he concluded.