Argentina's meat processors anticipate price stability through spring

Argentina's meat‑processing sector expects a period of price stability for beef until the spring, according to Daniel Urcía, president of the Federación de Industrias Frigoríficas Regionales Argentinas (FIFRA). He said recent data show a 10 % drop in slaughter volumes for the first half of the year, but also a higher average carcass weight – from 226 kg to nearly 240 kg – indicating greater efficiency.

The reduced slaughter has contributed to a roughly 10 % decline in domestic consumption, while export volumes have risen modestly compared with the previous year but remain below 2024 levels. Financing remains limited, with only about US$1 billion in credit covering roughly 5 % of the sector’s US$20 billion annual turnover, prompting calls for policy measures such as eliminating the 5 % export levy on young cattle.

Urcía expressed confidence that, barring unexpected shocks, beef prices will remain stable through the upcoming months, providing relief to consumers facing inflationary pressures.