Fresh Beef Monthly Update 2026-01

In 2025, imported fresh meat accounted for 29% of Uruguay's beef consumption, reflecting a significant shift in the domestic market's supply structure. Total beef consumption grew by 3.4% to 146,600 tons compared to 2024, driven primarily by a 17% increase in imports to 43,000 tons, which offset a 1.3% decline in local production for domestic use. January 2026 saw a sharp rise in imported chilled beef volumes, with 3,607 tons entering the country at an average price of US$6,060 per ton, predominantly sourced from Brazil, which supplied 97% of imports. Despite rising cattle prices domestically and in Brazil, import volumes remain strong, supported by exchange rate factors, suggesting that the high import share could persist or grow throughout 2026.

Argentine beef was prominently featured at Cosquín Rock 2026, a major music festival in Córdoba attended by over 90,000 people, emphasizing its cultural and culinary significance among younger consumers. Market studies by IPCVA reveal that millennials and centennials, who made up nearly half of beef consumers, favor barbecue and hamburgers, making them key targets for the beef industry’s future growth. The festival incorporated Argentine beef through tastings, branded areas, and promotional content involving renowned artists, reinforcing beef’s role in social and family gatherings. Officials highlighted beef’s economic importance and nutritional benefits, positioning it as a vital element of Argentine identity and well-being. This strategic engagement aims to sustain and expand beef consumption by connecting with new generations through music and cultural experiences.

On February 21, 2026, Egypt's wholesale and retail markets showed relative price stability across key agri-food sectors including fruits, fish, poultry, and meat, with steady supply and uninterrupted sales. Fruit prices remained stable with retail additions of 3 to 5 Egyptian pounds per kilogram, while tilapia fish varieties maintained steady prices favored by consumers. Poultry prices exhibited some variation between exchange and retail levels but overall sales remained stable, with white chickens priced between 75–82 EGP/kg at the exchange and 89–95 EGP/kg retail. Table egg prices were stable, with wholesale trays at 105 EGP and retail ranging 110–120 EGP. Meat prices, including native beef, lamb, and camel meat, also stabilized, supported by increased supply from outlets linked to government initiatives offering reduced prices, easing pressure on traditional markets.

In 2025, Germany's meat production remained largely stable at approximately 6.9 million tons, a slight decrease of 0.2 percent compared to 2024, according to preliminary data from Destatis. Pork production saw a modest increase of 1.1 percent to around 4.3 million tons, driven by a 0.6 percent rise in the number of pigs slaughtered and higher carcass weights. Conversely, beef production declined by 6.0 percent to about 0.9 million tons due to a noticeable drop in cattle slaughter numbers. Poultry production was steady at 1.6 million tons, with broiler chicken meat up 3.6 percent but turkey meat down 7.7 percent. Overall, meat production remains 17.0 percent below the 2016 peak, marking a stagnation following growth in 2024.

On February 20, 2026, Egypt's wholesale and retail markets reported relative stability in prices for vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, and meat, with steady supply across various governorates. Vegetable prices at retail markets showed a moderate increase of 3 to 7 Egyptian pounds per kilogram compared to wholesale, with tomatoes ranging from 8 to 18 EGP/kg and cucumbers from 21 to 27 EGP/kg. Fruit prices remained stable with retail additions of 3 to 5 EGP/kg, including Egyptian oranges at 8 to 13 EGP/kg and guavas at 14 to 26 EGP/kg. Fish prices, particularly tilapia, stabilized, with tilapia number 1 priced between 61 and 65 EGP/kg. Poultry prices varied slightly between exchange and retail markets but remained stable overall, with white chickens retailing at 89 to 95 EGP/kg. Meat prices also stabilized, supported by increased supply from outlets affiliated with the Armed Forces and government initiatives offering red meat at reduced prices, helping ease market pressure.

As of February 3, A.TOM Agro in Zhytomyr region has registered all 378 Aberdeen Angus cattle in the Unified State Register of Animals, achieving 100% identification through its personal cabinet feature. The farm uses a unique dual-tag system including a chip that stores detailed health and registration data. Angus cattle are raised year-round on pasture using 100% Grass Fed technology, ensuring natural herd behavior without stress, antibiotics, or artificial stimulants. This approach emphasizes nutrition and health, critical factors for high-quality marbled Angus meat.

The closure of borders and reduced cattle inventory in the U.S. have driven beef prices up nearly 16%, reaching historically high levels. The bark beetle infestation in Northern Mexico has further pressured feeders and breeders, contributing to supply shortages and increased international meat prices. Despite a 27.1% rise in beef export value in January 2026 compared to January 2025, Mexico's trade balance remains negative due to higher imports of beef, pork, and poultry. In Guadalajara's Metropolitan Area, Bodega Aurrera offers the most affordable beef for grilling at 250 pesos per kilo, while Profeco advises against purchasing from Wal-Mart Express branches due to above-average prices.

The Bogura District Livestock Department, in collaboration with the District Administration and the Grow-Up Meat Project, has initiated a subsidized beef sales program during Ramadan, offering beef at Taka 630 per kilogram to ensure affordability across socio-economic groups. The program, which began on February 20, 2026, saw rapid sales with 10 maunds of meat sold within two hours, sourced from cows raised on natural feed under strict quality standards. To maximize accessibility, purchase limits are set between 250 grams and two kilograms per person, preventing bulk buying and catering to lower-income consumers. The initiative will continue every Friday throughout Ramadan, receiving positive feedback from local industry leaders for its consumer-focused approach.

A feasibility study by the National Red Meat Council projects that the beef carcass production cost for calves entering fattening in December 2025 and finishing in August 2026 will range from approximately 571 to 686 TL per kilogram, depending on farm scale. The study distinguishes between imported South American meat breed calves, with production costs around 400 TL/kg, and domestic breeds such as Kars meat and Black Sea Holstein, which incur higher costs up to 600 TL/kg. Inflation-adjusted lossless selling prices are estimated between 679 and 686 TL/kg to prevent producer losses. Costs vary slightly by farm size, with larger operations (500+ heads) achieving marginally lower costs near 571 TL/kg. Key parameters like daily weight gain, feed consumption, and carcass yield were based on sector-accepted technical data, and exchange rates were applied per Central Bank averages.

The House Agriculture Committee has introduced Farm Bill 2.0, officially the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which builds on previous legislation to further support American cattle producers. Key provisions include streamlining voluntary conservation programs, addressing rural veterinary shortages through amended grant programs, expanding access to agricultural credit, and clarifying animal disease traceability under the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program. Additionally, the bill establishes a five-year pilot program to increase consumer access to locally raised beef by expanding custom-exempt processing facilities. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has expressed strong support, emphasizing the bill’s role in filling legislative gaps and enhancing the sustainability and profitability of the U.S. cattle industry.