Latin American meat markets see shifts in poultry and pork production

Agricultural trends in Latin America show significant shifts in meat consumption and production. In Argentina, poultry has officially surpassed beef as the most consumed protein per capita. The Centro de Empresas Procesadoras Avícolas (CEPA) projects consumption could exceed 50 kilograms per person in 2026, driven by lower prices, diverse product cuts, and changing household structures. As the domestic market nears capacity, the industry is pivoting toward international exports, particularly targeting China.

In Brazil, chicken exports rose 25% in August due to high demand from China, while beef shipments fell significantly after Brazil exhausted its lower-tariff import quota. Domestic chicken supply in Brazil also reached its highest level since late 2025, though seasonal shifts toward pork and holiday poultry may impact year-end demand.

Paraguayan pork production is also on an upward trajectory, with exports increasing by 8% between January and August 2026. The sector aims to expand into new markets like Chile, South Korea, and Japan to support a projected 180% production increase over the next five years.

Conversely, some regions face challenges. In Bolivia, poultry producers in Santa Cruz report declining demand despite lower prices, citing reduced household purchasing power and increased transportation costs due to rising diesel prices.