Argentina beef consumption drops 11.5% in first half of 2026 as prices surge

Argentina’s domestic beef market contracted sharply in the first half of 2026. Apparent consumption fell 11.5% year‑on‑year to about 1.02 million tonnes, leaving the per‑capita average at 47 kg – an 8.2% drop (roughly 4.2 kg less per person) and the lowest level in three decades. Prices accelerated far above inflation: beef cuts rose 53.6% over twelve months while the broader meat‑and‑derivatives sector increased 45%, well ahead of the 33.4% consumer‑price rise.

Production also slipped, with total beef output down 6.2% to 1.428 million tonnes and cattle slaughter reduced 8.9% to 6.02 million heads. In contrast, exports grew 10.2% to 408,600 tonnes, boosting the export share of total output from 24.4% to 28.6% and cutting the domestic market share from 75.6% to 71.4%. The export surge was driven mainly by higher allocations to the United States. The combined effect of higher prices, reduced supply and weaker household purchasing power explains the sharp consumption decline.