Firm Cattle Prices in São Paulo Mark January Amid Weaker Bone-In Meat Demand and Falling Pork Prices
São Paulo's cattle market remains firm in January with prices around R$ 325-330, while bone-in meat sees weaker demand and pork prices drop significantly amid competitive exports.
- • Cattle prices in São Paulo stable between R$ 325.00 and R$ 330.00 due to limited supply
- • Bone-in meat prices in Greater São Paulo weaken amid reduced consumer purchasing power
- • Pork prices dropped up to 20% nationally in the past month, pressuring producers
- • Brazil ranked third globally in pork exports with the most competitive pricing among major exporters
Key details
The cattle market in São Paulo concluded January with stable and firm prices, primarily ranging between R$ 325.00 and R$ 330.00, according to CEPEA data. This firmness is driven by a limited supply of animals, obliging buyers to agree to sellers' pricing to meet operational needs. However, demand for bone-in meat in Greater São Paulo has decreased, weakening prices due to reduced consumer purchasing power, especially during tax payment periods and month-end financial constraints.
In contrast, the pork sector has experienced a pronounced downturn, with prices dropping up to 20% over the past month in the national market. Producers find themselves negotiating live pigs close to or below integrated production costs, the latter usually higher due to added expenses. Despite these domestic challenges, Brazil maintains a strong international position in pork exports. UN Comtrade data analyzed by CEPEA reveals Brazil as the third-largest global pork exporter and the most competitive market in 2025, with an average export price of US$ 2.57 per kilogram—significantly below the US and EU averages of US$ 3.18 per kilogram.
These trends illustrate a robust cattle market amid softer consumer demand for certain meat cuts, while the pork market navigates significant price pressure at home despite international competitiveness.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
