Meat industry faces crisis in Argentina and Panama

The meat industry is facing significant economic strain in both Argentina and Panama. In Argentina, domestic consumption slaughterhouses have reported eight consecutive months of losses. Gustavo Marcos, president of the Meat Industry Chamber (Caínca), attributed the crisis to a 10% year-on-year drop in slaughtering, stagnant livestock prices, and rising industrial costs. Specifically, electricity costs have tripled this year, while insurance and provincial taxes have surged, often doubling the rate of inflation. Consequently, companies have begun staff layoffs to ensure survival.

In Panama, pork producers from regions including Herrera, Los Santos, Coclé, and Veraguas are demanding action from the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA). Producers report a saturated domestic market and an accumulation of livestock that threatens the livelihoods of small and medium-sized farmers. Industry leaders, including Juan Pastor Guevara and Yolis Moreno, are calling for the government to facilitate international exports to allow Panamanian pork to reach global markets at fair prices.