Amazon Has Deployed More Than One Million Robots in Its Facilities
The automation of Amazon.com facilities is approaching a new milestone: There will soon be as many robots as humans.
The e-commerce giant, which has spent years automating tasks previously done by humans in its facilities, has deployed more than one million robots in those workplaces, Amazon said. That is the most it has ever had and near the count of human workers at the facilities.
Company warehouses buzz with metallic arms plucking items from shelves and wheeled droids that motor around the floors ferrying the goods for packaging...
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Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline
US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET.
It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...
PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 30 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, June 2025 Overview
Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.
Today, we bring you up to speed with merger & acquisition activity in the global agrifood landscape that occurred in June 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.
June 2025 M&A activity picked up marginally compared to previous months. The ongoing tariffs situation, looming deadlines, other trade disputes, and market uncertainty, have a role to play here.
ANALYSIS: Irish Beef Market Under Supply Pressure
In June 2025, Ireland’s cumulative beef processing volumes are approximately 15,000 head above the same period last year. However, tightening supply across other European countries is placing significant upward pressure on beef prices. Processors are competing aggressively to secure sufficient cattle to meet both domestic and export demand.
As of mid-2025, Ireland’s live cattle exports are 20% higher than at this point in 2024, further contributing to the supply squeeze within the country. Meanwhile, key EU beef-producing nations such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands are experiencing herd reductions...
ANALYSIS: Japan’s May 2025 Beef Imports Recede from 12-Month High
Japan’s beef imports in May 2025 eased from April’s 12-month high, slipping to 48,428 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.
In line with traditional trends, volumes by the world’s second largest beef importer scaled back 8.8% month-on-month (MoM) or 4,696 mt amid the short working month during the Golden Week holiday period.
Japan imported beef from two main suppliers: Australia ranked first with 25,216 mt, followed by the United States (US) at 16,591 mt...
ANALYSIS: US Pork Cold Storage Tightens Year-Over-Year Despite Seasonal Shifts
According to the USDA’s May Cold Storage report, total pork in frozen inventory declined to 450.9 million pounds, down 5.2 million pounds (- 1.1%) from April, signaling the lowest volumes recorded in the last 10 years. While month-over-month supplies are slightly lower, year-over-year inventories remain significantly tighter—down more than 31 million pounds (-6.6%) compared to May 2024—pointing to persistent supply-side constraints...
ANALYSIS: Reviewing the Downward Trend in Mexican Shoulder Clod Prices
The Mexican domestic market for bone-in and boneless shoulder clod has experienced a downward price trend since mid-June 2025, primarily driven by a notable decline in demand. Bone-in shoulder clod has depreciated by approximately 4.6% from its levels at the beginning of June, while boneless shoulder clod has dropped by about 2.8%, following record-high prices in May fueled by reduced slaughter volumes. These elevated prices, which peaked earlier in the season, began to strain buyers, prompting consumers and intermediaries to shift toward alternative...
European Investment Bank, CaixaBank Set €180 Mln in Agricultural Loans in Spain
The European Investment Bank (EIB), the long-term lending institution of the European Union, and the Spanish bank CaixaBank have announced a new line of funding for small businesses and mid-caps in the agricultural sector of €180 million.
The funding will go to projects for the modernisation of the sector and rural development. The EIB believes the “operation will help to boost the competitiveness of small businesses and mid-caps" in the agricultural and bioeconomy sectors...
Trump, Carney Agree to Resume US-Canada Trade Negotiations
Trade discussions between the United States and Canada resumed late Sunday after Canada announced it would withdraw its proposed digital services tax targeting major US technology firms.
On June 27, President Trump stated that due to Canada’s intention to impose a tax on US tech firms, the US would halt all trade discussions with its northern neighbor “effective immediately.”
The tax was to take effect on Monday, June 30. According to the New York Times, the 3% digital services tax on major US tech firms like Meta, Amazon and...
Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Bologna Products
Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc., a Union, N.J., establishment, is recalling approximately 143,416 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The various bologna products subject to recall contain meat or poultry source materials that are not declared on the product labels.
The ready-to-eat bologna items were produced between March 20 and June 20, 2025. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]...
ANALYSIS Comparing US Boxed Beef Cutout Values to COVID Highs Amid Current Surge
The current weekly average cutout value is $3.84/lb for Choice and $3.64/lb for Select. During the COVID-19 period, the record high for the Select cutout was a weekly average of $4.20/lb in May 2020, but prices sharply declined afterward, dropping to levels well below the five-year average. At this time in 2020, the Select cutout’s weekly average was approximately $2.10/lb, which...
ANALYSIS: Supply Uncertainty Looms Over the UK Beef Market
UK beef production totaled 300,000 tons between January and May 2025, marking a 10,000 tons (3%) decline compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest data. Monthly output has consistently lagged 2024 levels, underscoring a persistent downward trend and increasing concerns over supply constraints in the second half of 2025.
Despite lower production volumes, slaughter rates remained strong in the first half of 2025. In May, prime cattle slaughter rose by 3% month-on-month to 178,000 head. Market participants suggest this uptick may reflect producers capitalizing on recent strong prices...
Walmart Opens First Beef Facility in Kansas
Walmart announced on Friday it had opened its first-ever owned and operated, case-ready beef facility to serve mostly Midwest customers. The 300,000+ square-foot facility is in Olathe, Kansas and will have around 600 employees.
It is connected to a 2022 investment Walmart made in Sustainable Beef LLC to improved supply chain security for Angus beef. The new “facility will package and distribute Angus cuts sourced directly from Sustainable Beef LLC to stores across the Midwest,” Walmart said.
The investment is part of Walmart’s plans to invest $350 billion in U.S.-made products by 2031...
US–China Trade Framework Advances, but Final Terms Still in Flux; Lutnick Hints at More Deals
The United States and China have inked a new trade agreement, President Donald Trump said on June 26.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mirrored the news during an interview with Bloomberg TV, stating that the deal was signed in recent days. Neither Trump nor Lutnick shared further details.
Expana reported on June 11 that Lutnick said the US and China agreed to a trade framework, and the latest comments from both Lutnick and Trump don’t seem to add much...
Study Finds 61% of US Consumers are Scaling Back on Restaurants, Spending Less on Groceries
As tariffs and inflation continue to impact consumers, Americans are spending less on food. According to Popmenu, which currently serves over 10,000 restaurants, 67% of consumers are scaling back their budgets.
The nationwide study tracked the dining and spending habits of 1,000 people 21 and older from June 16 to June 17, 2025. When asked to name the areas where they are cutting back the most, restaurants landed the number one spot, with 61% saying they are eating out less and staying in...
UNFI Restores Core Systems After Major Cyberattack Disruption
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) announced that it has safely restored the core systems its customers and suppliers use after suffering a significant cyberattack earlier this month.
“With our electronic ordering and invoicing systems back online, we are delivering products to grocery stores across our network at more normalized levels,” the company said in a June 26 statement. “We are grateful to all our customers and suppliers for their patience and partnership as our UNFI associates continue working to support their needs...
ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s May 2025 Beef Exports Surge 15.7% MoM to 49,281 mt
New Zealand’s beef exports rebounded in May 2025, posting a solid 15.7% rise from April to 49,281 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.
Volumes rose 6,676 mt month-on-month (MoM) driven by stronger shipments to the United States (US), China, and Canada. Modest gains to the United Kingdom (UK), Taiwan, and Japan also contributed to the higher May figures.
On the contrary, annual growth continued to be hindered by lower cattle kills. Yearly figures fell 10.2% or 5,581 mt, led by reduced shipments to China and Japan. Allocations to New Zealand’s...
ANALYSIS: US Boneless Beef Cold Storage Stocks Fall in May 2025 to Lowest Level in 10 Years
The latest USDA cold storage report showed a decline of 13.7 M lbs of boneless beef in cold storage for May month-over-month (MOM) with current levels at 364.6 M lbs, which is the lowest level in the past ten years. Both lean and fat boneless beef continued to be tight throughout the month of May leading to less stored frozen product. As beef demand ramps up during the summer, especially for products like hotdogs and hamburgers, which boneless beef are key ingredients, cold storage dips as material is pulled out to supplement...
Cattle Farmers and Ranchers Join President Trump to Push for Tax Relief
Today, farmers and ranchers affiliated with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House for an event rging Congress to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and deliver tax relief.Kevin Kester, a fifth-generation California rancher and NCBA Past-President, attended due to his personal experience with the Death Tax.“It was an incredible honor to stand with President Trump and echo his message that America’s family farmers and ranchers need tax relief now,” said Kester. “When I was hit with the Death Tax 30 years ago, I couldn’t hire new employees, invest in equipment, or make improvements to the ranch. My family and I had to stretch every...
ANALYSIS: By-Products Market Surges on Soybean Oil Price Trends
The US by-products market, particularly fats and tallows, has encountered price increases driven by rising soybean oil trends, following the US Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO). The RVO is a plan requiring fuel companies to blend more renewable sources, such as soybean oil, into biofuels. It proposes biomass-based diesel volumes of 5.61 billion gallons for 2026 and 5.86 billion for 2027. This increased demand for soybean oil has reduced available supply, elevating prices.
The fats and tallows market initially adopted...
The Retail Rundown: Independence Day Deals in Focus
As the Fourth of July holiday draws closer, competition for front-page ad space among proteins is heating up. Seafood is currently leading with a 29% share, followed by beef and pork, each capturing 24%. Chicken accounts for 18%, while turkey trails at 2.6%.
Burgers and hot dogs remain backyard barbecue mainstays. Several national grocers were promoting 78–84% lean ground beef under $5 per pound, with eye-catching specials as low as $2.27 on a discounted basis.
Over Father's Day weekend...
Poland, France Push Back Against at Mercosur Deal
Annie Genevard, France’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and Czesław Siekierski, the Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, met in Paris on Wednesday. After the meeting, both showed a united front against the EU-Mercosur deal.
France and Poland have been two of the most vocal opponents to the deal signed in December, after around two decades of negotiations. They argue that the deal will not be beneficial for EU agriculture, despite its possible positive effects in other sectors.
“To put it plainly: we cannot sacrifice agriculture...
General Mills Backs Organic Push in Fresh Pet Food, But M&A Still on Table
As General Mills continues to expand its pet food footprint, the company is leaning heavily on organic growth, particularly in the fast-growing fresh pet food category, while still keeping mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as an option.
During an earnings call on June 25, Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harmening emphasized that General Mills’ approach to category expansion is a deliberate balance between building from within and acquiring where necessary.
Harmening argued that General Mills believes it has the right investment profile
As China Obstacles Persist, Promotions Move More U.S. Beef Short Plate in Korea
International demand is critical for U.S. beef short plate, about 95% of which is exported. Major destinations include Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan, where short plate is typically sliced thin, marinated and served in hot pot and Korean barbecue-style meals.
U.S. short plate commands a significant premium in these key Asian markets compared to being utilized domestically. But short plate is just one of the U.S. beef cuts entangled in the current trade impasse with China. When China imposed its countermeasures in response to U.S...
ANALYSIS: 2025 Summer Grilling Season Tightens 0X1 Strip-Ribeye Price Gap
As backyard summer cookouts ramp up, attention turns to two grilling favorites: the 0x1 boneless strip and the boneless ribeye. Currently, the 0x1 strip is priced just $0.43/lb, or 3.7% below the boneless ribeye, marking the closest price spread between the two since late February and March 2025, when they nearly reached parity at just a $0.04/lb difference.
This narrowing spread isn’t unusual. In 2024, a similar trend occurred from early April through mid-July...
Gartner Says Supply Chain Leaders Must Address Three Priorities Amid Impacts of Israel-Iran Conflict
To help organizations navigate the ongoing impacts posed by the Israel-Iran conflict, Gartner Inc. has identified three critical priorities for chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) to implement now to secure their operations.
In response to the ongoing impacts from the conflict, CSCOs should:
“As the conflict between Israel and Iran oscillates, CSCOs must leverage...
ANALYSIS: China’s May 2025 Beef Imports Slips 7.1% MOM to 194,529 mt
China’s total beef imports fell for the second consecutive month, dropping 7.1% month-on-month (MOM) to 194,529 mt in May 2025, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Shipments declined by 14,832 mt, led by lower volumes from most major suppliers. Brazil was the exception, partially offsetting the overall drop.
On a year-on-year (YOY) basis, imports fell 17.0% (-39,920 mt), pressured by weak consumption, a bearish macroeconomic outlook, and higher domestic production. Sweltering summer weather...
China’s New Hope Outlines Focus on Feed and Hog Farming
New Hope Liuhe reported profitability in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a renewed focus on its two core businesses: feed and hog farming. This marks the company’s first profitable quarter in three years. The company has undergone significant structural adjustments, with the pig farming division concentrating on improving breeding stock and reducing production costs. The feed division is targeting a return to competitiveness through stable and sustainable growth, the company said.
“We’ve largely emerged from the downturn, and the company is seeing an overall positive trajectory,”..
Ahold Delhaize USA Names Jason Wilson Chief Financial Officer
Wilson to Lead Financial Strategy and Operations for Largest Grocery Retail Group on the East Coast
Leading grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA announced that Jason Wilson, a recognized retail and finance executive in the grocery industry and longtime leader at Ahold Delhaize USA companies, has been named Chief Financial Officer. In his new position, Wilson oversees financial strategy and operations, playing an instrumental role in supporting the omnichannel growth of the U.S. businesses, delivering the company’s Growing Together strategy and 2028 commitments and ensuring strong financial controls...
QDOBA Accelerates Growth with Opening of 800th Restaurant, Surpasses 500 New Development Commitments
On the heels of a record-breaking year of growth and franchise development, QDOBA, America's rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, today announced that the company has opened its 800th restaurant in Miami, Florida. The new restaurant, located in North Miami Beach at 14583 Biscayne Blvd, marks a significant milestone for the company, which is on track to expand to 1,600 restaurants by 2032.
"QDOBA is the best-kept secret in the restaurant industry and one of the...
South Africa Begins Vaccinating Cattle as FMD Hits Four Provinces
South Africa has kicked off a national vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The move comes after confirmed outbreaks in four provinces, the South African Ministry of Agriculture said on Monday.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen oversaw the rollout at Karan Beef’s Heidelberg feedlot. The facility, near Johannesburg in Gauteng Province, confirmed an outbreak earlier this month.
"The first batch of 900,000 vaccines arrived in South Africa last week, and we commenced with the vaccination over the weekend," Steenhuisen told reporters on-site...
ANALYSIS: Calf Shortage Drives Veal Market Firm
The special-fed veal market remains tight as fewer calves are available and farming practices continue to change. As of January 1, 2025, the US cattle herd dropped to 86.7 million head, the lowest it has been since 1951 (USDA Cattle Inventory Report). At the same time, about 72% of dairy farms are now breeding cows with beef bulls instead of dairy bulls. This shift has led to fewer male dairy calves being born, which are the type traditionally raised for veal (Drovers; National Cattlemen’s Beef Association)...
ANALYSIS: Tight Supplies and Seasonal Demand Drive the Pork Cutout Higher
The Expana Pork Cutout has risen 26.3% since mid-April and now sits 20.6% above year-ago levels, averaging $117/cwt so far for the week of June 16. This surpasses 2022 values for the same period and is trending toward the higher levels seen in 2021 and during the 2014 PEDv market in June.
Retail demand remains strong, with bacon, ribs, and chops prominently featured as consumers shift away from higher beef prices. Ribs continue to gain momentum ahead of the July Fourth holiday...
Japan, Brazil Negotiate Brazilian Beef Exports to Japan
Japanese auditors from the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) visited Brazil over June 9-13, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) said. The visit is part of the risk analysis process conducted by the Japanese government, as part of the negotiations for opening the Japanese market to Brazilian beef.
Japanese officials visited the states of Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraná. The visit ended with a meeting at the Superintendence of Agriculture and Livestock in Curitiba (SFA-PR) headquarters, where Brazil presented additional information on...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14
Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14."
This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text...
ANALYSIS: Korea’s May 2025 Beef Imports Climb 3.9% MOM to 39,556 mt
Korea’s beef imports in the month of May 2025 amounted to 39,556 metric tons (mt), recording an uptick of 3.9% month-on-month (MoM), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service.
In line with historical trends, the 1,488 mt monthly increase was supported by higher inbound volumes from the United States (US), New Zealand, and Canada, though a slight dip from Australia capped further gains.
As Asia’s largest beef consumer, Korea imported 4.2% more beef in May 2025 compared to the same...
Expana Will be Observing the Juneteenth Holiday Thursday, June 19
Expana will be observing the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday, June 19, which will impact the publication of some Expana Benchmark Prices. All US offices will be closed on the day; daily reports will not be published, and the following weekly reports will be impacted:
The Retail Rundown: Grocers Set Stage for Final Summer Push
With Father’s Day in the rearview, grocers are setting the stage for the final big buying event of the summer: the Fourth of July.
The upcoming holiday marks the last major retail push before Labor Day and serves as a key buying window for proteins like beef ahead of the mid-summer lull. To keep product moving, grocers are expected to lean heavily on promotions and feature aggressive pricing in the coming weeks.
Post-Father’s Day, pork and chicken are poised to capture more...
Refreshed Website Offers New Biosecurity Resources
The Secure Beef Supply (SBS) website, www.securebeef.org, has been redesigned to better serve the growing number of users seeking new, updated and classic biosecurity resources.
“Producers can use these new Secure Beef Supply Plan resources to be proactive and customize their biosecurity strategies and plan before a disease outbreak – when time and resources are limited,” said NCBA’s Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian Julia Herman. “It’s a valuable addition to any risk management plan and should be developed in collaboration with veterinarians and other team members...
Standard Meat Company Names Bill Chandler Director of Supply Chain
Standard Meat Company (SMC), a protein processing and packaging innovator headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, has announced the appointment of Bill Chandler as Director of Supply Chain. This newly created leadership position signals the firm’s continued investment in scalable infrastructure and strategic talent to support long-term, sustainable growth.
“Bill brings the right mix of experience, love of the industry, and respect for the people,” said SMC Co-President and CEO Ben Rosenthal. “His first move hasn’t been to overhaul — but to listen. He knows real strategy...
DHS Reverses Pause on ICE Raids, Targeting Farms, Hotels, and Restaurants
Days after the Trump administration ordered a pause on immigration raids targeting the agriculture and hospitality industries, the Department of Homeland Security has reversed course, authorizing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to resume worksite enforcement at farms, hotels, and restaurants, according to the Washington Post.
The publication reported that ICE held a call on June 16 to direct agency leaders that raids could occur at farms, hotels, and restaurants. Representatives from 30 field offices across the US were informed of the new instructions via the call...
Australian Beef Producer Kilcoy Global Foods Files for $100 Million IPO
The Australian meat producer Kilcoy Global Foods filed for initial public offering (IPO) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company plans to raise up to $100 million.
Kilcoy is specialised in elaborated meat and protein products and reported $2.2 billion in sales for the 12 months ended March 31, 2025, up by 17% on the year. Its largest revenue was the US market, followed by Australia and China.
The company initially filed confidentially on January 10, 2025...
Datassential Lists Chick-fil-A as America's Favorite Chain Restaurant
On June 12, 2025, food and beverage intelligence platform Datassential announced the winners of the first-ever Datassential 500 Awards, showcasing the most dynamic foodservice brands in the United States. Notable winners include Chick-fil-A (favorite chain), Crumbl (most unique restaurant menu), and CAVA (best healthy chain).
Founded in 2001, Datassential has been providing food and beverage brands with intelligence tools and consumer insights for more than two decades, including quintessential companies like Starbucks, General Mills, Land O' Lakes, Pepsi, Burger King, and Target...
Circana’s ‘Eat Play Love’ Report Shows Consumer Indulgence Despite Conservative Daily Spending
On June 12, 2025, Circana released its latest report on consumer spending trends, titled “Eat Play Love,” revealing how European consumers are turning to comfort despite ongoing economic pressures, climate concerns, and global conflicts that continually shape daily life.
According to the report, despite exercising frugality with everyday purchases, European consumers are currently prioritizing food retail, foodservice, prestige beauty, and toy purchases, thus indicating a shift towards “self-soothing consumption” and “mini moments of bliss.”
The report leverages Circana's extensive coverage of European consumer goods across hundreds of...
ICE Told to Pause Worksite Raids in Agriculture, Hospitality Sectors by Trump Administration
The Trump administration will reportedly direct US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to pause raids on businesses operating in the agricultural, restaurant, and hotel industries.
According to the New York Times, an internal email and three US officials confirmed the adjustment to President Trump’s deportation and immigration policies.
The email obtained by the publication directed ICE officials to “hold on all work site enforcement investigations/operations on agriculture (including aquaculture and meat packing plants), restaurants and operating hotels...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13."
ANALYSIS: Australia’s May 2025 Beef Exports Hover Near Record Highs at 129,477 mt
Australia’s May beef exports reached 129,477 metric tons (mt), just 571 mt below the record set in October 2024, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Exports rose 1.8% or 2,306 mt following April’s post-cyclone rebound, marking the second consecutive month of growth. Gains were driven by stronger shipments to the United States and Canada, while volumes to Japan and Korea declined.
Compared to a year ago, overall exports were up 13.7% (+15,554 mt), led by...
ANALYSIS: April Pork Volumes Reflect Global Tariff Strain
In April 2025, US pork exports fell sharply to 582,920,000 pounds a decline of 9.1% from March and 11.1% compared to last April, US-imposed “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariffs took effect: a baseline 10% duty began April 5, followed by significantly higher country‑specific tariffs on April 9, including a 54% effective rate on Chinese goods. These sweeping measures, and retaliatory levies from both China and Canada in the same period, disrupted established trade flows and significantly squeezed US pork volumes—especially to Canada and China...
ANALYSIS: US Beef Variety Export Destination Comparison between April 2024 and April 2025
In April 2024, the total pounds of beef variety meats exported was 45,372,390 lbs, compared to only 37,242,729 lbs in April 2025. When analyzing specific items, hearts were down by about 4 million pounds, kidneys by around half a million pounds, lips by over a million pounds, livers by nearly 2 million pounds, and tongues by about 139,000 pounds. These few items alone account for roughly 7.5 million pounds not exported in 2025 compared to 2024.
With the tariffs introduced in April 2025...
Global Commodities Markets – Q2 2025 Trends and Forecasts
Welcome to the Global Commodities Markets: Q2 2025 trends and forecasts report, where we examine key developments in the global commodity markets.
In an ever-changing economic landscape, getting key insights on essential commodities is crucial for stakeholders across industries.
Each quarter, this report will focus on a few commodities with significant price fluctuations, delivering insights and forward-looking analysis.
Further commodity insights can be explored on the Expana platform, where you’ll find real-time price tracking, access to industry experts and customized alerts...
Bill Aims to Protect Texas Livestock from Screwworm Threat
A bill introduced in Congress aims to safeguard livestock and wildlife in Texas and the U.S. from the New World screwworm, a destructive pest that once devastated ranches across the southern U.S.
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) authored the New World Screwworm Preparedness Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a comprehensive study on screwworm surveillance and prevention efforts. The bill also requires USDA to recommend improvements that would strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to a potential outbreak...
ANALYSIS: US Imports Record High Volumes of Boneless Beef in May 2025
In May, the US imported 89,704 metric tons (mt) of boneless beef, which was an increase of 16,284 mt from April according to the latest Food Safety and Inspection Service report. These shipment figures include product that was rushed to the US ports ahead of the implementation of new tariffs as well as tariffed product departing the origin port after the April deadline.
Compared to last May, a surge of 31,977 mt more product was entered into the country, a 55.4% increase...
ANALYSIS: CAB and Choice Ribeye Prices Narrow in 2025 Ahead of Father’s Day
With Father’s Day approaching, it’s an ideal time to examine the price relationship between Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) and Choice boneless ribeyes. Year-to-date, Choice ribeyes are priced at $11.84/lb, up 25% from $9.47/lb year-over-year. CAB boneless ribeyes also increased, rising from $10.72/lb to $12.89/lb over the same period, a 20% gain. What stands out is the narrowing price spread between the two programs: from 13% in early June 2024...
Austria And Hungary Join France in Concerns over Mercosur Deal
Representatives from Austria and Hungary met with the French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Annie Genevard. During the meeting, they “reiterated their strong concerns regarding the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries,” the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty said.
"Significant quantities of imported products produced under lower standards could lead to the exclusion of European agricultural products,” István Nagy, the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture said. This could, the minister added, weigh on prices and on the profitability of EU...
Commerce Secretary Lutnick: US-China Trade Deal Framework Finalized
United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the US and China have agreed to a trade framework after two days of negotiations in London.
After what reports described as “intense negotiations,” Lutnick told reporters that the framework builds upon an agreement made last month to ease triple-digit retaliatory tariffs.
In a social media post on June 11, President Trump said that a deal with China was done and called the trade relationship with China “excellent.” However, further details regarding the deal were not made public...
The Retail Rundown: Seafood Leads Father’s Day Protein Promotions; CPI Shows Mild Increase
For Father’s Day weekend, seafood leads retail protein promotions, accounting for 28% of total ad volume. Beef follows at 24.8%, with pork close behind at 23.6%. Chicken claims 19% of protein ads, while turkey makes up about 3%.
Egg features remain limited for now but are on track to gain ground next week amid improving retail demand. While egg consumption typically slows around this time of year due to reduced baking and fewer hot breakfasts, eggs are emerging as one of the few proteins seeing price relief at retail—standing out amid peak seasonal...
ANALYSIS: China’s May 2025 Meat Imports Stagnate MOM at 512,582 mt
China in May 2025 imported 512,582 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats, nearly flat month-on-month (MOM), according to preliminary figures from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC).
Slipping just 0.1% MOM, the decline came as China continued to expand market access across the chicken, venison segments from New Zealand, France and Russia.
However, export licenses of American beef plants were in limbo. The expiration of United States (US) plant licenses in China’s Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) system, placed downward pressure...
Powering Pork’s Future: New Three-Year Strategic Plan Charts the Path Forward
NPB’s Board of Directors has approved a new three-year strategic plan—part of a broader roadmap that will guide us through 2028. The strategic plan was presented to the board by the task force during the March 2025 Pork Industry Forum.
Kicking off in August 2024, the strategic planning process brought in insights from a wide range of producers and industry stakeholders. The result? A strategy that keeps producers’ priorities front and center—ensuring every hard-earned dollar...
Tyson Foods Launches New Hillshire® Snacking Dips and Spreads
Tyson Foods has announced the launch of Hillshire Snacking Dips and Spreads.
Hillshire Snacking, known for its gourmet snacks and creative flavor combinations, now offers consumers chef-curated snacking experiences, pairing premium pepperoni and rich cream cheese spreads with perfectly toasted rounds.
The new Hillshire Snacking Dips and Spreads include three unique and flavorful varieties:
ANALYSIS: Brazil’s May Beef Exports Down 9.7% MoM to 218,066 mt, as US Shipments Drop Nearly 50%
Brazilian beef exports (chilled or frozen) dropped to 218,066 metric tons (mt) in May, according to the latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services. This is 9.7% lower compared to April’s figure, but still reflected a 2.9% growth YoY.
Shipments to China represented 50.9% of that volume, or 111,030 mt, up 4.1% MoM and 13.4% higher than last year, firmly securing China’s position as the leading destination for Brazilian beef. China’s...
Convenience Store M&A Activity Suggests More Consolidation is Coming
The pace of merger and acquisition activity in the U.S. convenience store sector is accelerating with recent trends suggesting the nation’s c-store landscape is ripe for more change. While most of the transactions in 2024 involved smaller chains or single-store operators, several larger operators inked deals to significantly expand their footprints into new regions.
According to a new research brief from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, c-store consolidation stands to disproportionally affect rural communities, many of which lack a grocery store or access...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12."
Cargill to Invest $90 Million in Fort Morgan Beef Plant in Colorado
Cargill will invest nearly $90 million in automation and advanced technologies at its Fort Morgan beef processing facility in Colorado. The investments comes as part of its Factory of the Future initiative.
This effort aims to improve operational efficiency, increase yield, and enhance safety and inclusivity for employees. Since 2021, Cargill has already invested nearly $24 million in technology upgrades at the Fort Morgan site.
A key innovation being introduced is CarVe, Cargill’s proprietary, patent-pending computer vision...
ANALYSIS: The Butts Are Back, Grilling Season Sparks Price Spike in May
May was marked by a robust rally in pork butt values, propelled by seasonal pulled pork demand, strong export pull, and tightening supply fundamentals. With grilling season well underway and the Fourth of July approaching, sentiments among some market participants remain bullish, particularly as processors and retailers continue to feature this item in promotional rotations and value-added offerings.
¼ trim bone-in butt values averaged $1.46/lb in May, reflecting a full steady to firm tone. This cut experienced a...
ANALYSIS: From Boom to Bottleneck, 10 Years of US-China Beef Trade and What’s Next
After more than a decade of building momentum, US beef exports to China hit a wall in Q2 2025 as tariffs disrupted one of the world’s most dynamic meat trade lanes. The pause in duties since mid-May has since eased tensions, but trade has yet to see signs of reviving.
Over the years, China became US’s third largest key destination for American grain-fed cuts especially offal cuts, prized for their suitability in local cuisine.
While the reprieve is welcome...
Coke Florida Names New Leaders for Distribution and Manufacturing Operations
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC announced two strategic leadership promotions that further strengthen its operational leadership team.
Yancy Appointed Vice President, Distribution Operations
Yancy, currently serving as Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, has been appointed Vice President, Distribution Operations. In this role, he will lead the execution of Coke Florida’s end-to-end distribution strategy, encompassing traditional and automated warehousing, as well as fleet operations across the company’s statewide footprint.
Yancy brings more than 15 years of experience within the Coca-Cola system and has been with Coke Florida since 2017, driving performance across manufacturing and supply chain functions.
ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Recent FMD-Free Status and Potential Implications for Global Beef Trade
In recent developments, Brazil has been officially recognized as free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), as announced during the 92nd General Session held in Paris this week. The new status marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s long-term efforts to strengthen animal health systems and bolster sanitary credibility in international markets.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock, including cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants...
Cargill Seeks Full Ownership of Australian Beef Producer Teys
Australian Teys Investments and Cargill have announced on Thursday, Cargill, via a subsidiary, has agreed to increase its stake in Teys to 100%. This includes Teys Australia and Teys USA.
Teys is specialized in Australian beef to both the national and international market. Cargill has already held stake on Teys for the past 14 years, Teys said.
“The Teys family is immensely proud to have grown our business into a premier provider of beef to our customers and Australian families. Cargill has been instrumental in our transformation...
ANALYSIS: Japan’s April 2025 Beef Imports Soar to 12-Month Highs
Japan’s beef imports in April 2025 surged to the highest level in twelve months, climbing for the second consecutive month to 53,125 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.
In line with traditional trends, volumes jumped a staggering 71.5% month-on-month (MoM) or 22,156 mt on the back of stocking replenishment ahead of the ahead of the Golden Week holiday season in early May.
Australia led shipments at 24,150 mt, followed by the US at 20,583 mt. Canada supplied 3,696 mt...
The Retail Rundown: Pork Deals Deliver Summer Savings
Pork promotions are gaining momentum, with value-priced cuts standing out against higher-priced beef and even some chicken items.
Bacon continues to steal the spotlight in the pork category, fueled by strong seasonal demand as consumers stock up on this summer staple. Over Memorial Day, discounted bacon averaged $6.30 per pound, up nearly 3% from last year. Wholesale belly prices have climbed 13% since early April, supported by tightening hog supplies and historically low cold storage stocks.
As grilling season gains momentum, demand for ribs...
Argentina’s Meatpacker Lequio Group Acquires Mattievich
Lequio, a large Argentinian meatpacker, has announced the acquisition of 80% the meatpacker Mattievich Group, which it hopes to finalize by the end of June. Both firms are already working in the merging of operations, Lequio said.
“We bought 80% of shares, not all. The livestock operations were excluded,” Leonardo Lequio told Argentinian media.
After the acquisition is complete, Lequio will have increased its slaughtering capacity to “over 4,000 cattle head per day,” the firm said.
Lequio will acquire at least six of Mattievich Group facilities across Argenitina...
Mastering Market Volatility: 5 Minutes with Little Caesars’ Derek Nelson
In today’s volatile market, where shifts in agrifood commodity prices can significantly impact your bottom line, understanding and managing risk is paramount. Derek Nelson, Director of Commodity Risk & Analytics at Little Caesars, exemplifies this proactive approach in his role leading hedging operations for this global restaurant chain.
Ahead of his participation at Expana’s Agri-Food Americas event in September, Derek spoke with us to share insights into how a global brand navigates the complexities of dairy, grains, protein and energy markets...
Tyson Foods Introduces Wright Brand Premium Smoked Sausage Links
Tyson Foods announced the launch of a new product from its subsidiary, Wright Brand.
Wright Brand, established in 1922, is known for its premium, hand-cut, real wood-smoked bacon. The company became part of Tyson Foods in 2001.
Wright Brand Premium Sausage Links are scheduled to launch nationwide in fall 2025, with select retailers already stocking the product.
The lineup includes three varieties:
Volatility Defines 2025 in Food and Agriculture Markets – How do You Navigate It?
2025 has been a year marked by uncertainty in the food and agriculture sector. Volatility is the defining characteristic, with a cascade of global events disrupting pricing, availability and trade dynamics. From geopolitical tensions and severe weather events to animal epidemics and macroeconomic shifts, commodity markets have become increasingly difficult to navigate for buyers and sellers alike.
“The key challenge for businesses at the moment is having to navigate different markets going in different directions,” said Tom Bundgaard, VP of Price Forecasting...
Domino's Launches Weeklong Carryout Special
Domino’s is starting the month with a new promotion: from June 2–8, customers can carry out large two-topping pizzas for just $6.99 each.
This weeklong carryout special applies to any large pizza with two toppings, including specialty crusts like Hand Tossed, Crunchy Thin, and New York Style. For an additional $3, customers can upgrade to Domino’s new Parmesan Stuffed Crust pizza.
The promotion comes as Domino’s ramps up rewards and deals to boost consumer demand.
The company reported a 0.5% decline...
ANALYSIS: Lamb and Veal Cold Storage Remains Tight Despite Modest April Gains
According to the latest USDA Cold Storage report, total frozen lamb and veal inventories in April 2025 were 19.627 million pounds, up 0.9% from March but still well below typical levels for this time of year. Compared to April last year, supplies were down 18% and nearly 24% below the three-year average, making it one of the lowest April totals in recent years—just slightly above 2006 and 2011 levels.
Lamb stocks rose modestly by 180,000 pound...
Secretary Rollins Secures Greater Market Access with Costa Rica for US Dairy Industry
Under U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins’ leadership, American dairy producers will have greater market access as Costa Rica has approved the first U.S. dairy facility to be registered under their new streamlined approval process. The Trump Administration continues to break down non-tariff barriers, and this latest action is the first of many wins ahead for American dairy producers.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is putting Farmers First. Securing greater market access for American dairy farmers is a much-needed win for the U.S. dairy industry and will give our...
PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 29 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, May 2025 Overview
Today, we bring you up to speed with merger & acquisition activity in the global agrifood landscape that occurred in May 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.
May 2025 was generally quieter in terms of M&A compared to previous months. There are many factors influencing this but the ongoing tariffs situation, trade disputes, and market uncertainty, likely playe a role here.
EU Good Food Officially Launches in Korea
European culinary excellence arrives in Korea, embracing modern lifestyles and sustainable values
The “EU Good Food – Good Life” campaign, funded by the European Union, was officially launched in South Korea, marking the start of its public communication activities in the country. This three-year initiative (2024–2027), co-funded by the EU, aims to introduce and promote premium European agricultural and food products to Korean consumers and professionals across the food, hospitality, and retail sectors.
As modern consumers place increasing emphasis on health, food safety, sustainability, and transparent sourcing...
ALDI Announces Promotion of Atty McGrath to ALDI US CEO
ALDI U.S. is excited to announce that Jason Hart, ALDI U.S. Chief Executive Officer, has been promoted to join the Executive Board of ALDI South as Group Chief Operating Officer. Hart will help oversee the company's global operations in Salzburg, Austria, effective September 1. Atty McGrath, currently Chief Operating Officer, will assume the ALDI U.S. Chief Executive role.
During his decade-long leadership as ALDI U.S. CEO, Hart has led the rapid expansion and development of the...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11."
ANALYSIS: April Pork Cold Storage Remains Tight Despite Seasonal Increase in Volume
April’s USDA Cold Storage report showed total pork inventories at 455.8 million pounds, up 11.3% from March but still 8.7% below the same time last year. This marks the third-lowest April total since the series began in 1999, sitting just above April 2001 and 2004, and suggests that while volumes increased month-over-month, they remain historically low.
Hams contributed significantly to the overall build, with bone-in hams rising 26.9% and boneless hams up 53.2% from March. Total ham stocks reached 87.9 million pounds...
Hormel Recalls Over 256,000 Pounds of Canned Beef Stew
Hormel Foods Corporation has recalled approximately 256,185 pounds of its canned beef stew.
According to an announcement from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the product may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically wood, following several consumer complaints.
The affected products are 20-ounce metal cans labeled “Dinty Moore BEEF STEW” with a best-by date of FEB 2028.
These items were produced on February 4, 2025, and bear the establishment number “EST. 199G” and lot number...
Signing the EU-Mercosur Agreement by December Is Possible, Says European Council President
The EU and Mercosur countries expect to sign the agreement in a December ceremony. “It is a short timeframe, but we are going to try to make it happen,” Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, said during a visit to Brazil on Thursday.
Costa added that the European Commission is in the process of translating the agreement into the 24 EU official languages and plans to finish it by July.
While farming sectors in some EU countries such as France or Spain have expressed concern...
ANALYSIS: US 2025 Prime Grading Surges to Record Highs
As we head into peak grilling season, it's an ideal time to look at Prime grading trends in the beef market. This year, Prime grading percentages have surged well above 2024 levels, reaching unprecedented highs. In early May, 13.2% of cattle graded Prime, marking a 15% increase over the same time last year and even surpassing the Select grade share, which sat at 12%.
This shift is being driven by several key factors. Improved genetics, especially through the use of high-marbling breeds like Angus, combined with longer feeding...
71% of Canadian and 43% of Mexican Consumers Intend to Buy Fewer US Grocery Products, Study Reveals
Seventy-one percent of Canadian and 43% of Mexican consumers report they will buy fewer U.S. grocery products in 2025 according to the tenth wave of the dunnhumby Consumer Trends Tracker (CTT) released today. Canada and Mexico are the two largest agricultural trading partners of the U.S. According to the USDA, in 2024 the U.S. exported 33% of its agricultural products to Canada and Mexico, totaling over $58 billion out of $176 billion of total U.S. agricultural...
Firehouse Subs Accelerates Global Growth with Entry into Mexico
Firehouse Subs has signed a significant development agreement with Foodplay to open 100 restaurants across Mexico over the next five years, marking its latest strategic move in international expansion. This initiative is expected to generate hundreds of jobs locally while strengthening brand presence across Latin America.
"We believe Firehouse Subs has tremendous potential in Mexico's growing sandwich market," said Duncan Montero, LAC President of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), parent company of Firehouse Subs. "We're excited to bring Firehouse premium subs, heartfelt service...
Teamsters at Kroger Authorize Strike
Drivers at Kroger's Forest Park fulfillment center have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike in response to the company's repeated refusal to negotiate a fair agreement. The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 528, are demanding a first Teamsters contract with strong wages, good benefits, and enforceable workplace protections.
"Kroger needs to stop dragging its feet and deliver a real offer that respects the work we do," said Marion Jackson, a Kroger driver and Local 528 shop steward. "This company can more than afford what we're asking for. We are ready...
ANALYSIS: US Boneless Beef Cold Storage Declines Despite Increasing Shipments Overseas
Boneless beef cold storage stocks stood at 376.9M lbs in April, according to the latest USDA cold storage report. This figure represents a decline of 10.3M lbs from March and 9.9M lbs from the previous April.
Seasonally, cold storage levels tend to drop heading into the summer as grilling season begins and consumer demand for beef rises. This year, April recorded the lowest boneless beef cold storage figure for the month in the past decade.
Meanwhile, US imports of boneless beef surged in April...
USDA and Mexico Invest in Joint Effort to Eradicate New World Screwworm
On a recent call, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook L. Rollins and Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué Sacristán, discussed ongoing efforts to contain the threat of New World Screwworm (NWS) south of the US-Mexico border. The USDA shared an update on the partnership via its website.
As part of this effort, the USDA announced a $21 million investment to renovate an existing fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico. The goal is to produce an additional...
The Retail Rundown: Father’s Day Fires Up Demand for Premium Cuts
Meat sales over Memorial Day weekend appeared to underperform in some regions this year, as cool weather across the Midwest curbed outdoor grilling activity.
Retailers are now setting their sights on the next major grilling event, Father’s Day, paired with hopes for improved weather. Falling on June 15th this year, the event presents another opportunity to drive protein consumption.
This week’s retail buying opportunities are led by seafood, which accounts for 28.2% of protein ads. Beef has 26.4%, trailed by pork at 23.2%, chicken at 18%, and turkey with...
Sugar On the Chopping Block for SNAP Program Following MAHA Commission
On May 22, US President Donald Trump spoke alongside Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and others during a MAHA [Make America Healthy Again] Commission Event.
“We’re on track to sign multiples of SNAP waivers to get junk food and sugary drinks out of our food stamp system,” said the USDA’s Rollins. Rollins signed the first waivers to amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa, she said during her speech...
ANALYSIS: Slight Dip in Total Red Meat Output Despite Steady Pork Gains in April
The USDA’s latest Monthly Livestock Slaughter report reveals that US commercial red meat production in April 2025 totaled 4.60 billion pounds, reflecting a modest 1% decline from the 4.64 billion pounds reported in April 2024.
Cumulative red meat production from January through April reached 18.1 billion pounds, also down 1% year-over-year. Within the broader protein mix, beef production slipped 1%, veal saw a sharp 40% decrease, and pork edged 1% lower. However, lamb and mutton production bucked the trend...
HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know
In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic US livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 1,072 dairy operations across 17 states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Expana is closely monitoring the situation...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #10
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #10."
ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s April 2025 Beef Exports Pull Back to 43,739 mt after 10-Month High
New Zealand’s beef exports retreated in April 2025, easing to 43,739 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.
Volumes slipped 13.8% month-on-month (MoM), down 7,027 mt from March’s 10-month high. The decline was driven by lower shipments to the United States, China, and Canada, while modest gains to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan helped cap losses.
Annual volumes dipped 2.9% or 1,324 mt compared to a year ago, driven by softer demand from...
ANALYSIS: China’s April 2025 Beef Imports Dips 1.8% MoM to 209,361 mt
China's total beef imports in April 2025 eased back 1.8% month-on-month (MoM) or 3,782 mt to 209,361 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Inbound shipments fell by 3,782 mt, driven by lower numbers from Brazil, Argentina and New Zealand. However, firmer volumes from the United States (US), Uruguay and Australia cushioned further falls.
On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, imports fell 6.7% or 15,040 mt pressured by rising domestic production...
Executives from Kroger, Publix, Sysco and Walmart Join GS1 US Board of Governors
The GS1 US Board of Governors has elected four industry leaders to join the GS1 US Board: Benjamin Hamilton, vice president, supply chain planning, Kroger; Brad Oliver, senior vice president of product business development, Publix Super Markets, Inc.; Greg Keller, senior vice president, national accounts, Sysco, SYGMA, and Guest Worldwide; and Greg Cathey, senior vice president, transformation and innovation, Walmart. Additionally, Brian Dick, president and CEO, Golden State Foods, has been appointed vice chairman.
These executives comprise a cross-industry Board of Governors...
ANALYSIS: Australia’s Q1 2025 Beef Production Rises 2.7% QoQ on Higher Cattle Turnoff
Australia produced 679,048 mt of beef in Q1 2025 (excluding meat from calves), up 2.7% from the previous quarter, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Just shy of the Q3 2024 record, the 18,149 mt increase was driven by higher cattle turnoff in Victoria (VIC) and South Australia (SA) due to dry weather conditions. On a quarterly basis, SA lifted 15.6% in beef production while VIC firmed 2.9%.
New South Wales (NSW) produced 7.7% more beef in Q1 2025...
ANALYSIS: Early 2025 Safeguard Trigger Looms as China Ramps Up Aussie Beef
China’s imports of Australian beef are rapidly approaching the 2025 Special Agricultural Safeguard (SSG) threshold, raising industry concerns that the Most-Favored Nation tariffs could be activated earlier than anticipated.
The 2025 SSG volume is set at 208,307 mt. The latest General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) data showed year-to-date (YTD) volumes from Australia are tracking above seasonal averages, driven largely by strong grain-fed beef shipments since the start of the year...
ANALYSIS: Pork Cutout Strengthens Ahead of Memorial Day
The Expana pork cutout value continued its gradual upward trajectory, a trend that began in mid-April, posting a 6% gain through Friday’s close. This includes a 3% increase over the past week alone, driven primarily by strength in the ham, picnic, and butt primals, as seasonal demand intensifies heading into the heart of grilling season. Year-to-date slaughter rates are running 1.2% below year-ago levels and cold storage inventories are sitting at record lows, both supporting the cutout value. The approach of the Memorial Day holiday...
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