The cutting back of production in Brazil following Operation Weak Flesh has filtered through to the country’s cattle prices, which fell again last week to the equivalent of €2.55/kg on average for export steers.

This is down from the equivalent of €2.69/kg a month ago, a fall of 5%. Uruguay is also weaker at the equivalent of €2.57c/kg, down the equivalent of 7c/kg from a month ago.

The big performer in Mercosur cattle prices is Argentina as it recovers its exporting capability following a decade of tariffs being applied on exported beef. This has turned full circle, with the Government providing a 5% export refund on beef sales to encourage the rebuilding of exports.

Argentina’s cattle prices reflect this and are the equivalent of €3.46/kg, an increase the equivalent of 19c/kg over the past month.