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Fri. Mar 27, 2026

ANALYSIS: AU & NZ Lamb Imports into US, Lower on Tight Supply

ANALYSIS: US Mid Atlantic Beef Cold Storage Figure Nears 10 Year Low for February

Thu. Mar 26, 2026

ANALYSIS: February Chicken Cold Storage Closes Month Under Mixed Backdrop

ANALYSIS: EU Barn Egg Prices Hit Record Highs on Structural Supply Tightness

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Mar 2026 Fever Pitch Beef Rush as China Safeguard Gap Narrows

ANALYSIS: Global HPAI Disruptions Boost US Turkey Export Competitiveness Despite Price Premiums

Wed. Mar 25, 2026

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Pivot to Seasonal Promotions as Seafood, Pork Lead Features

ANALYSIS: US Egg Prices Ease as Production Hits Two-Year High and Demand Softens

ANALYSIS: Earlier Procurement Signals Structural Shift in US Beef Rib vs Strip Pricing

Tue. Mar 24, 2026

ANALYSIS: Argentina's Fresh Beef Exports Extend Decline for Sixth Month to 48,959 MT in February '26

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Feb 2026 Beef Exports Continue to Cool but Japan and Korea Hold Firm

ANALYSIS: EU Pork Exports Surge in 2025 Amid Production Growth and Competitive Pricing

Mon. Mar 23, 2026

ANALYSIS: High-Volume Start for China's Jan-Feb 2026 Beef Imports Sets Safeguard Clock Ticking

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Market Splits as Easter Demand Favors White Eggs

ANALYSIS: Brazil Beef Exports Remained Resilient in February 2026 Despite Middle East Conflicts

Fri. Mar 20, 2026

ANALYSIS: Multiple Factors Drive the Decrease in US Cattle Slaughter

ANALYSIS: US Pork Exports Show Seasonal Softness in January, Maintains Year Over Year Growth

Thu. Mar 19, 2026

ANALYSIS: EU Pork Production Rises 3.3% in 2025

ANALYSIS: China’s Jan-Feb 2026 Total Meat Imports Dip 1.2% YOY to 1.08M MT

Wed. Mar 18, 2026

ANALYSIS: Korea’s Feb 2026 Beef Imports Ease from Record Highs While Australian Quota Tops 50%

The Retail Rundown: Spring Demand Builds as Easter and Grilling Season Approach

Mon. Mar 16, 2026

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Market Strengthens on Retail Demand and HPAI Concerns

ANALYSIS: US Shell Egg and Breaker Markets Drift Into Rare Price Divergence

Fri. Mar 13, 2026

ANALYSIS: US 2026 Cattle Market Pulls Back From Record Territory as Drought and Feed Costs Loom

Thu. Mar 12, 2026

ANALYSIS: Year-to-Date Broiler Production Trend Shows Widening Divergence by Weight Category

Wed. Mar 11, 2026

ANALYSIS: What’s Driving the Expana Pork Cutout Higher?

ANALYSIS: Brazil Sustained Solid Beef Export Pace in February 2026, Up 1.8% MOM and 23.9% YOY

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Refresh Promotions Ahead of Spring Holidays; CPI Meets Expectations

Mon. Mar 9, 2026

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Rebounds Sharply Amid HPAI Concerns and Stronger Retail Demand

ANALYSIS: Uruguayan Beef Exports Fall Sharply in February 2026, Down 19.2% MOM and 30.4% YOY

Fri. Mar 6, 2026

ANALYSIS: January Production Down 2 Million Birds From 2023, Complicating Market Outlooks

ANALYSIS: January Chicken Cold Storage Highlights Robust Demand Across Major Categories

Wed. Mar 4, 2026

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Feb 2026 Beef Exports Surge Across Key Growth Markets

ANALYSIS: Escalating Middle East Tensions and Potential Impacts to Brazilian Chicken Exports

The Retail Rundown: 21st Annual Power of Meat Report Sees Sales Soar to Fresh Record

Tue. Mar 3, 2026

ANALYSIS: Australia, New Zealand Beef Trade on Alert as Middle East Flashpoint Deepens

ANALYSIS: US Pork Market Monitors Indirect Effects of Middle East Tensions

ANALYSIS: Middle East Conflict’s Potential Effects on US Beef Exports

ANALYSIS: Middle East Conflict Impacts Shipping Routes for EU Pork Exports

ANALYSIS: Escalating Middle East Tensions Pose Potential Risks to Global Poultry Markets

ANALYSIS: Middle East Tensions Pose Indirect Risks for US Egg Market

Mon. Mar 2, 2026

ANALYSIS: US Imports of Mexican Beef Slowdown in February

ANALYSIS: International Trade Summary for US Eggs in 2025

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Market Decline Continues as Spot Quote Hits Record Low

Fri. Feb 27, 2026

ANALYSIS: US Lamb Weights Running Lighter Compared With Recent Years

ANALYSIS: A Month After the New Food Pyramid, Has US Beef Purchasing Shifted?

Thu. Feb 26, 2026

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s Fresh Beef Exports Down 7.6% in January 2026 to 52,413 mt, 12.2% Higher YOY

ANALYSIS: US Boneless Beef Cold Storage Stocks Post Steady Figure January 2026 MOM

ANALYSIS: 2025 Turkey Exports Second Lowest in 25 Years as Production Tightens

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Supply Tightens Ahead of Easter

Wed. Feb 25, 2026

ANALYSIS: New World Screwworm Activity and Regional Trends in Mexico

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Jan 2026 Beef Exports Ease from 9-Month Highs to 43,933 MT

ANALYSIS: Lower Slaughter Pulls Australia’s 2025 Lamb Production 5.2% Below Year Ago

The Retail Rundown: Winter’s Grip Lingers as Lent Lifts Seafood Features

Tue. Feb 24, 2026

ANALYSIS: Mexico’s Imports of Brazilian Beef Ease

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Total 2025 Beef Production Soar to Record 2.87M MT

Mon. Feb 23, 2026

ANALYSIS: Regional Self-Sufficiency and Freight Economics Weigh on US Cage-Free Market

Fri. Feb 20, 2026

ANALYSIS: Korea’s 2026 KAFTA Quota Drawdown Accelerates as Australian Beef Flows Surge

ANALYSIS: Korea Logs Highest-Ever Monthly Beef Imports at 87,162 MT in January 2026

Thu. Feb 19, 2026

ANALYSIS: Diverging Protein Output Trends Take Shape In Q1

ANALYSIS: Turkey Poult Placements Rise Early in 2026 Before February Egg Sets Hit Seasonal Low

Wed. Feb 18, 2026

ANALYSIS: US 90% Lean Heavy Cows Continue to Encounter YOY Gains

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Turns to Lent Promotions

Tue. Feb 17, 2026

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Softens as Supply Pressures Intensify

ANALYSIS: EU Free-Range Egg Prices Surge Amid Tight Supply

ANALYSIS: US 2026 Cattle Supply Crunch: Slaughter Falls, Imports Plunge, Herd Hits New Lows

Fri. Feb 13, 2026

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s 2025 Cattle Slaughter Sinks to Seven-Year Low at 2.47M Head

ANALYSIS: Early-Year Broiler Production Trends Come Into Focus

Wed. Feb 11, 2026

ANALYSIS: Asia’s Beef Trade 2025 Review and the Key Forces at Play in 2026

The Retail Rundown: Beef Leads Valentine’s Protein Features as Lobster Prices Ease

Tue. Feb 10, 2026

ANALYSIS: Brazil's Beef Exports Began 2026 With Seasonal Pullback, Still Up 28.6% YOY to 231,821 mt

Mon. Feb 9, 2026

ANALYSIS: EU Retail Egg Sentiment Firms Slightly After January Correction

ANALYSIS: US Beef Buyers Pulled the Rally Forward, Why Choice Cutouts Strengthened in Late 2025

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Loses Momentum as Demand Softens

Fri. Feb 6, 2026

ANALYSIS: Broiler Hatchery Output Maintains Early-Year Expansion Signal

Thu. Feb 5, 2026

ANALYSIS: Mexico Anchors US Pork Exports Despite November Volume Pullback

ANALYSIS: Solid Start to 2026 as Australia’s January Beef Exports Soar

ANALYSIS: Extreme Volatility Keeps Participants Cautious in Fresh Turkey Breast Market

Wed. Feb 4, 2026

ANALYSIS: US Beef Consumer Consumption Analysis for 2025

The Retail Rundown: Game Weekend Sparks Grocery Rush

Tue. Feb 3, 2026

ANALYSIS: Supply Constraints Continue to Support a Firm Plant Protein Market

Fri. Jan 30, 2026

ANALYSIS: Weaker Output Pushes New Zealand’s 2025 Total Beef Exports to Seven-Year Low

ANALYSIS: US Special-Fed Veal Market Conditions

Thu. Jan 29, 2026

ANALYSIS: US Imports of Mexican Beef Firm at Start of Year

ANALYSIS: Early-2026 Turkey Slaughter Signals Stabilization, Disease Risks Cap Upside Potential

Wed. Jan 28, 2026

ANALYSIS: Saudi Disease Restrictions Accelerate EU Egg Market Adjustment

ANALYSIS: December Turkey Cold Storage Inventories Stay Tight Despite Post-Holiday Shifts

The Retail Rundown: Protein Movement Gains from Championship Game and Severe Weather

Tue. Jan 27, 2026

ANALYSIS: US Boneless Beef Cold Storage Stocks Post the Lowest December Figure in 10 Years

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s Fresh Beef Exports Dropped 7.2% in 2025 to 713,363 mt

Mon. Jan 26, 2026

ANALYSIS: Feature Activity Drives US Cage-Free Market Higher

ANALYSIS: EU Shell Egg Prices Ease, but Remain Historically Firm

ANALYSIS: January Pork Carcass Cutout Snapshot and the Effects of 2025

Fri. Jan 23, 2026

ANALYSIS: A Wrap on 2025 US Beef Production

ANALYSIS: US Boneless Rib Market Year-End Review, Volatility Accelerated in 2025

ANALYSIS: Frozen Whole Turkey Prices Fall 10% in Early January Yet Remain Near Record Highs

ANALYSIS: Chicken Industry Sets Stage For Potential Production Gains in Q1

Thu. Jan 22, 2026

ANALYSIS: Consumption Headwinds Trim China’s 2025 Beef Imports 2.5% YOY to 2.8M mt

Wed. Jan 21, 2026

The Retail Rundown: Beef Leads Features as Winter Weather Boosts Comfort Foods

ANALYSIS: AU & NZ Lamb Imports into US, Lower on Tight Supply

Imported lamb volumes, both fresh and frozen, are trending lower in 2026 compared to prior years, with the decline more pronounced in fresh product. Fresh imports are down approximately 22.3% year over year (YOY), while frozen imports are down 14.3% YOY. A clear softening in weekly fresh volumes began in mid-February and has extended through March, with several weeks falling materially below the three-year average, indicating supply...

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Mar 27 11:38 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Mid Atlantic Beef Cold Storage Figure Nears 10 Year Low for February

Looking at the Middle Atlantic region, which includes Philadelphia, a major beef importing port, boneless beef stocks fell by 4,994 metric tons (MT) month-over-month, bringing the total for that region to 111,599 MT. Apart from 2018, this is the lowest February boneless beef stocks in the Mid Atlantic region in 10 years. In 2018, the inflection point was 107,858 MT.

Across the US, total boneless beef stocks continue...

Full Story »
Mar 27 11:36 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: February Chicken Cold Storage Closes Month Under Mixed Backdrop

The most recent cold storage data for February reflects a mixed picture for the chicken market, with some categories showing an uptick in frozen inventory levels, while others got cleared from the “shelves” at an accelerated rate. Overall, total chicken stocks were essentially flat month-over-month (MOM), down just 0.3%, and slightly below year-ago levels at -1.7% year-over-year (YOY).

Coming in 22.1% above year-ago levels, whole bird inventories continue to make significant upward progress, at least...

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Mar 26 7:50 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: EU Barn Egg Prices Hit Record Highs on Structural Supply Tightness

Barn egg prices across the EU climbed to unprecedented levels in last week’s assessments, underpinned by sustained supply-side constraints and seasonal demand ahead of Easter. Prices for barn eggs averaged 2.95 €/kg, marking a historic high and maintaining a significant premium of around 26% over cage eggs.

This price divergence reflects increasingly structural dynamics within the egg market. A growing number of retailers are transitioning away from cage eggs in favor of cage-free sourcing policies. While this shift supports higher-value segments, it is also tightening the availability of barn eggs, particularly for the...

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Mar 26 7:38 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Mar 2026 Fever Pitch Beef Rush as China Safeguard Gap Narrows

Australia is on track to ship its largest monthly volume of beef to China on record this March, as exporters race against the clock to beat a looming safeguard quota.

According to the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), cumulative monthly beef and veal exports to "Other Asia", a category dominated by China, reached 33,115 metric tons (MT) by March 23.

Based on the current pace of shipments, Expana’s in-house estimations put the final March figure at 45,533 MT...

Full Story »
Mar 26 7:11 AM, Expana

Australian Beef

ANALYSIS: Global HPAI Disruptions Boost US Turkey Export Competitiveness Despite Price Premiums

Total turkey exports from the US in January showed a 33.6% increase in volume from last year and a 9.8% month-over-month (MOM) increase, despite a 5-year average decline in volume from December to January of 12.7%. While pricing for most US turkey items was significantly higher this year than last year, a number of other countries suffered outbreaks of HPAI, limiting global competition. At the same time, outbreaks of HPAI within turkey flocks in the US for January were significantly lower than they were...

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Mar 26 7:00 AM, Expana

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Pivot to Spring Promotions as Seafood, Pork Lead Features

Spring officially arrived last week, bringing seasonal shifts that grocers are already leveraging. The warming trend is prompting retailers to spotlight items like fresh produce alongside grilling favorites, as shoppers move away from winter staples and prepare to fire up their grills.

With Easter less than two weeks away, weekly ads are increasingly featuring traditional holiday items such as hams, whole turkeys, lamb, eggs, and desserts. Hams and whole turkeys, in particular, are seeing more prominent ad coverage as shoppers stock up on their main holiday staples...

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Mar 25 8:52 AM, Expana

Consumer Spending

ANALYSIS: US Egg Prices Ease as Production Hits Two-Year High and Demand Softens

The contrast between last year’s egg market and current conditions could hardly be more pronounced. In the lead-up to Easter 2025 the industry was still firmly in the grip of an unprecedented supply shock. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) had decimated production through late 2024 and into early 2025, driving Expana’s benchmark Midwest large quotation to an all-time high of $8.58/dozen...

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Mar 25 8:26 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Earlier Procurement Signals Structural Shift in US Beef Rib vs Strip Pricing

Looking back over the past four years, the months leading into the spring grilling season consistently show a transition between 0x1 strips and Choice bone-in ribs. Seasonally, rib prices decline following the Christmas and New Year holidays, eventually falling below 0x1 strip loins as buyers shift toward more cost-effective grilling options.

In both 2023 and 2024, rib and strip prices reached parity later in the season, mid-May 2023 at $8.22/lb and early...

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Mar 25 8:23 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Argentina's Fresh Beef Exports Extend Decline for Sixth Month to 48,959 MT in February '26

According to the latest data from Argentina’s National Institute of Statistics and Census showed that fresh beef exports (chilled and frozen) fell for the sixth consecutive month in February 2026. Shipments dropped further by 8% from January 2026 to 48,959 MT, down 6.5% on a year over year (YOY) basis.

Full Story »
Mar 24 11:36 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Feb 2026 Beef Exports Continue to Cool but Japan and Korea Hold Firm

New Zealand’s beef exports continued to cool in February 2026, following a sharp retreat in January from December’s nine-month high. Export volumes dipped a further 1.6% to 43,250 metric tons (MT), according to recent Stats NZ figures.

While most major markets saw declines, Japan and Korea acted as stable anchors.

This was driven by declining tariffs under free trade agreements (FTA) and their increasing role as a go-to alternative to US supply, as buyers in these regions look to New Zealand to...

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Mar 24 11:26 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: EU Pork Exports Surge in 2025 Amid Production Growth and Competitive Pricing

European pork exports expanded across 2025, driven by increased production and competitive global pricing, though geographic divergence reveals winners and losers in key markets.

According to the latest European Commission data, EU pork exports increased during 2025, with both overall exports—including byproducts—and fresh and frozen meat sales growing compared with 2024.

Cumulative EU pork production from January through December 2025 increased approximately 3.34% year-over-year (YOY) to 21.79 million MT. This production surge outpaced domestic EU demand, making international...

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Mar 24 11:23 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: High-Volume Start for China's Jan-Feb 2026 Beef Imports Sets Safeguard Clock Ticking

China’s total beef imports in January and February 2026 reached 627,803 metric tons (MT), representing a 23.4% utilization of the total annual safeguard quota, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs (GACC).

The current year-to-date (YTD) figures show a robust 34.0% volume increase year-on-year (YOY) as key suppliers raced to beat the newly implemented tariff "cliffs."

China’s Safeguard Quota Crunch

China’s figures for the first two...

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Mar 23 10:35 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Market Splits as Easter Demand Favors White Eggs

The cage-free market has entered a transitional period though late-week, with spot market demand subsiding and a more pronounced divergence developing between product types. What had been a tightly supported market in prior weeks is now showing signs of strain as earlier procurement activity subsides and supply begins to surface at a discount.

A clear divergence has developed between cage-free white and...

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Mar 23 10:32 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Brazil Beef Exports Remained Resilient in February 2026 Despite Middle East Conflicts

As of February 2026, Brazilian beef exports had not yet reflected the impact, growing 1.8% from January to 235,888 MT, according to data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, while remaining 23.9% higher...

Full Story »
Mar 23 10:29 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: Multiple Factors Drive the Decrease in US Cattle Slaughter

Cattle slaughter has declined significantly in 2026, driven by several converging factors: reduced feeder imports from Mexico due to New World Screwworm concerns, low cattle inventory across the US, and elevated cattle prices.

For the week ending March 14, 2026, cattle slaughter reached 525,000 head, roughly 19% below COVID-era levels for the same week. The next closest slaughter rate for that week was in 2016, which still displayed levels above 2026 by 3.3%.

Despite 2022 recording the highest average...

Full Story »
Mar 20 11:42 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Pork Exports Show Seasonal Softness in January, Maintains Year Over Year Growth

The most recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) US pork export data, covering January 2026, showed total exports at 589,972,000 pounds, declining 2.1% month over month (MOM) but 2.3% higher year over year (YOY). The modest monthly reduction is considered reflective of seasonal adjustments following year-end shipment activity, particularly as post-holiday demand moderates and evolving consumption patterns begin to influence nearby markets.

Mexico continued to be regarded as the leading export destination, despite a 6.8% decline MOM while remaining 3.8%..

Full Story »
Mar 20 11:40 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: EU Pork Production Rises 3.3% in 2025

According to the latest European Commission data, cumulative EU pork production from January through December 2025 increased approximately 3.34% year over-year (YOY) to 21.79 million metric tons. This marked the second consecutive year of rising pork production across the ...

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Mar 19 11:22 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: China’s Jan-Feb 2026 Total Meat Imports Dip 1.2% YOY to 1.08M MT

China’s total meat imports (including offal meats) for the month of January to February 2026 eased 1.2% from a year ago totaling 1.08 million metric tons (MT), according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Beef imports (including offals) totaled around 640,000 MT, rising a sharp 37.6% year on year (YOY) while other key animal proteins such as pork, mutton and lamb, and poultry fell.

In 2025, China’s total meat imports clocked in at 6.08 million MT, 8.7% lower YOY.

China’s...

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Mar 19 11:19 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Korea’s Feb 2026 Beef Imports Ease from Record Highs While Australian Quota Tops 50%

Korea’s beef imports in February 2026 retreated from record highs a month earlier, falling to 32,498 metric tons (MT), about one-third of January’s volume, according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service.

On a monthly basis, volumes shed 62.7% month-on-month (MOM) or 54,663 mt, as the market normalized after January’s surge.

The earlier spike reflected standard importer practice of parking cargo at ports or in bonded warehouses before clearing shipments...

Full Story »
Mar 18 11:29 AM, Expana

The Retail Rundown: Spring Demand Builds as Easter and Grilling Season Approach

Following an extended winter in some areas and disruptive weather in others, sentiment across the food industry is beginning to shift in a more optimistic direction.

As spring approaches, many retailers are counting on a release of pent-up demand, with consumers eager to refresh their routines. The seasonal reset could translate into more frequent dining occasions, while retailers are positioned to benefit from the return of backyard cooking and holiday gatherings.

With Easter now under three weeks away, the calendar itself is acting as a demand catalyst, pulling forward promotional activity and shaping merchandising strategies...

Full Story »
Mar 18 9:20 AM, Expana

Chicken Breasts

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Market Strengthens on Retail Demand and HPAI Concerns

The cage-free market, along with conventional, continues to post significant upward momentum, pushing Expana’s rest-of-market cage-free quote up 49cts week-over-week to $1.77/dozen—an increase of 40.5% over the past six days. Elevated demand, particularly along the West Coast where cage-free mandates are in place, combined with renewed HPAI concerns across the US, continues to drive the market higher.

Following several months of largely stagnant shelf pricing among many retail chains, operators in cage-free mandated states began lowering everyday...

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Mar 16 8:19 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Shell Egg and Breaker Markets Drift Into Rare Price Divergence

The relationship between Midwest large shell eggs and 48–50 lb. breaking stock has diverged sharply in recent weeks, producing one of the most unusual relative price relationships observed in the historical data set.

As of March 12, Midwest Large closed at $1.77/dozen while breaking stock remained pinned at $0.21/dozen. At that level, breakers are valued at just 11.3% of the shell egg market, meaning shell eggs are trading at nearly nine times the value of breakers. A review of historical...

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Mar 16 8:16 AM, Expana

Dried Egg Products

Breaking Stock Eggs

ANALYSIS: US 2026 Cattle Market Pulls Back From Record Territory as Drought and Feed Costs Loom

Live steer prices have declined for the first time since December 2025. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Five Area Direct Cattle report, current live steer prices are around $239/cwt. While prices have softened in recent weeks, they remain historically strong, roughly 20% higher than the same time in 2025. Prices have pulled back about 3% from the recent record high of $246/cwt, the...

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Mar 13 11:59 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Year-to-Date Broiler Production Trend Shows Widening Divergence by Weight Category

Through the week ending February 28, 2026, U.S. broiler production trekked higher relative to last year, with cumulative headcount totals reaching 1.5 billion head, up 3.86% compared to the same period in 2025...

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Mar 12 10:49 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: What’s Driving the Expana Pork Cutout Higher?

The Expana pork carcass cutout value has moved higher in recent weeks, increasing 1.1% last week. Values have trended upward since early February, with the cutout moving above 2025 levels during the week of February 23 and currently navigating at three-year highs for the month of March. Over that period through the end of last week, the weekly cutout value advanced 3.2% and currently stands 8.6% above the three-year average...

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Mar 11 11:51 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Brazil Sustained Solid Beef Export Pace in February 2026, Up 1.8% MOM and 23.9% YOY

Brazil’s February 2026 fresh beef exports grew 1.8% from the previous month in January to 235,888 MT, according to the latest data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services. Despite the modest month-over-month (MOM) gain, total volume was 23.9% higher compared to February 2025.

China remained the main destination for Brazilian beef exports, accounting for 103,550 MT, which markedanother MOM drop of 13.6%, yet still 11.9% above the figures recorded in the same period last year...

Full Story »
Mar 11 11:49 AM, Expana

Central & South America

Middle East & Africa

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Refresh Promotions Ahead of Spring Holidays; CPI Meets Expectations

With spring around the corner, grocers are leaning on improving weather and refreshed promotional campaigns to attract shoppers to the meat and seafood departments.

Seafood remains a main focus this week as the Lenten season continues, accounting for 27% of total protein promotions, tied with beef for the top spot. Pork follows with 24% of total advertised features, while chicken holds 15% of total protein ad space.

Within seafood, filets dominate promotional activity, with shrimp advertisements close behind. Last week, the fresh finfish category averaged $9.84 per pound...

Full Story »
Mar 11 9:10 AM, Expana

Consumer Price Index

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Rebounds Sharply as Demand Surges

The cage-free market, along with conventional, has seen a sharp rebound over the past week, with the rest-of-market cage-free quote climbing 46.8% to $1.16/dozen. The turnaround has been driven in part by renewed HPAI concerns, stronger retail demand across much of the US, and earlier-than-usual Easter-related procurement, prompting suppliers to hold product more confidently as additional sales channels have opened.

A notable shift in retail pricing has played a key role...

Full Story »
Mar 9 11:14 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Uruguayan Beef Exports Fall Sharply in February 2026, Down 19.2% MOM and 30.4% YOY

The latest data released by Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate showed that fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports reached 23,838 MT in February 2026, down 11.4% from the previous month and 30.4% lower than the same period in 2025.

China kept the lead at 9,066 MT, despite a 16.8% monthly pullback from January, and a steeper 25.7% contraction on a year over year (YOY) basis. Despite the decline in absolute volumes, the country accounted for 38.0%...

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Mar 9 11:11 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: January Production Down 2 Million Birds From 2023, Complicating Market Outlooks

The turkey industry began 2026 with the lowest January harvest on record. At just 15.0 million head, the total sits 9.0% below the five year average, while average live weights were only 0.2% higher than the five year norm. Persistently low poult placements continue to signal constrained production potential in the months ahead, and a record low harvest to begin the year has amplified concern among market participants regarding near term supply availability.

Interestingly, even as harvest volumes remain well below historical standards, a price correction is unfolding across the parts and raw materials complexes. Record high pricing for items...

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Mar 6 7:22 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: January Chicken Cold Storage Highlights Robust Demand Across Major Categories

Cold storage data for January reveals a generally robust call for chicken that directly correlates with the market conditions observed throughout the month. The overall picture shows inventory levels declining month over month (MOM) across all major categories, with total chicken stocks down 3.7% from December and 1.2% below year-ago levels.

Whole bird inventories present the most notable anomaly, showing a substantial 15.1% year over year (YOY) increase. Still, there was a 3.3% MOM decrease which contrasts with the five-year average trend of a 5.6% MOM increase from December to January in frozen holdings of whole birds. Last year's whole bird...

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Mar 6 7:20 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Feb 2026 Beef Exports Surge Across Key Growth Markets

Australia’s beef exports soared to 130,884 metric tons (MT), the highest February volume on record, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Outgoing volumes bounced back, rising 55.2% month-on-month (MOM) by 46,541 MT as the market returned to full operations after January holidays.

Robust global demand continued to lend support to annual growth, rising 11.4% or 13,381 MT higher year-on-year...

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Mar 4 12:01 PM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Escalating Middle East Tensions and Potential Impacts to Brazilian Chicken Exports

Escalating Middle East tensions introduced another layer of uncertainty across many markets in that region. Initial effects include disrupting transit through the Strait of Hormuz, driving volatility across oil, freight and broader commodity markets.

Given that approximately one third of Brazilian chicken exports are directed to Middle East & North African markets, any prolonged logistical disruption, cost escalation or port level constraint could influence shipment timing, contract execution and short-term allocation decisions...

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Mar 4 11:59 AM, Expana

Central & South America

The Retail Rundown: 21st Annual Power of Meat Report Sees Sales Soar to Fresh Record

Meat sales climbed to a new record of $112 billion in 2025, up 2% from the prior year, according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

The report found meat remains a near-universal staple, with 98% of US households purchasing meat. For retailers, this underscores the importance of keeping meat and poultry front and center to capture consumer spending, especially as health and wellness trends continue to drive demand for protein...

Full Story »
Mar 4 9:01 AM, Expana

Consumer Trends

Consumer Behavior

ANALYSIS: Australia, New Zealand Beef Trade on Alert as Middle East Flashpoint Deepens

The Australian and New Zealand beef market is closely monitoring the latest escalation in the Middle East, with freight emerging as the immediate pressure point.

By Monday’s close, exporters were advised that cargoes moving to and from the Upper Gulf, Arabian Gulf and Persian Gulf would face a War Risk Surcharge (WRS) of over A$5,000 per reefer container, or about USD 3,500.

Air freight routes have also been suspended, effectively halting chilled beef shipments...

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Mar 3 11:03 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Pork Market Monitors Indirect Effects of Middle East Tensions

Conflict in the Middle East presents indirect exposure to US pork, as the region is not a significant destination for US pork product. Pork consumption in many Middle Eastern countries remains minimal due to Islamic dietary laws prohibiting pork, keeping export volumes to the region limited. As a result, the impact is largely indirect and tied to energy markets...

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Mar 3 11:00 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Middle East Conflict’s Potential Effects on US Beef Exports

Market participants across industries are closely monitoring the latest escalation in the Middle East. Evaluating 2025 data, Middle Eastern countries received 1.5% of US frozen and chilled beef exports. The United Arab Emirates constituted the largest share of the total with 4,243 metric tons (MT) received in 2025.

The US’s involvement in the conflict...

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Mar 3 10:57 AM, Expana

Middle East & Africa

ANALYSIS: Middle East Conflict Impacts Shipping Routes for EU Pork Exports

Concerns surrounding shipping routes have emerged across the EU pork industry following the escalation in the Middle East conflict, following the military action by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28.

While pork meat demand across the Middle East is marginal, several key trade partners for EU exports are based in Asia. China, the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea account for approximately 45.5% of Europe's total exports of fresh and frozen...

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Mar 3 10:54 AM, Expana

Middle East & Africa

ANALYSIS: Escalating Middle East Tensions Pose Potential Risks to Global Poultry Markets

Market participants believe the potential impact of the Middle East conflict on the poultry market may become visible in the coming weeks.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a key trading partner for both Brazil and Ukraine in the chicken meat sector. In January 2026, the UAE was the leading destination for Brazil's exports of processed and fresh chicken meat.

According to data released in early February by the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), the Gulf nation imported 44,300 metric tons (MT) during the first month of the year, a 14% increase compared to January 2025....

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Mar 3 10:51 AM, Expana

Middle East & Africa

ANALYSIS: US Imports of Mexican Beef Slowdown in February

The US import market for Mexican beef showed a weaker tone in February, particularly across cuts, as volumes trended lower compared with the stronger pace seen in January. Participants described mostly hand-to-mouth coverage, with buyers securing nearby needs rather than extending forward positions. Early February shipments were still moderately above the same period last year, but movement eased as the month progressed. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, imports continue to run slightly ahead of 2025, though the margin has narrowed, reflecting a more cautious environment...

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Mar 2 11:58 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: International Trade Summary for US Eggs in 2025

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Mar 2 11:56 AM, Expana

Central & South America

Middle East & Africa

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Market Decline Continues as Spot Quote Hits Record Low

The Expana rest-of-market cage-free quote fell to $0.79/dozen on Thursday afternoon, marking an all-time low since the assessment began in January...

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Mar 2 11:53 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Lamb Weights Running Lighter Compared With Recent Years

US lamb weights in 2026 are running lighter compared with recent years, though stronger slaughter levels have supported overall production. According to USDA federally inspected data, the 2026 year to date (YTD) average lamb live weight is 122 pounds, compared with 129 pounds during the same YTD period in 2025. Producers have also continued to market lambs earlier amid dry pasture conditions and higher feed costs, potentially shortening days on feed.

At the same time, YTD slaughter has increased to 257.1 thousand head in 2026 versus 242 thousand head in 2025. As a result, despite lighter weights, total lamb production has increased...

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Feb 27 11:19 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: A Month After the New Food Pyramid, Has US Beef Purchasing Shifted?

The US food pyramid was updated on January 7, shifting proteins from near the top of the pyramid to the base. For those unfamiliar with the pyramid's structure, the top indicates items your diet should include less of, so this shift from top to bottom represents a significant change in dietary guidance.

At the retail level, beef experienced an average distribution decrease of approximately 13% compared with 2025 levels. This trend contradicts the newly updated food pyramid's emphasis on protein consumption. However, most cuts were more expensive...

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Feb 27 11:15 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s Fresh Beef Exports Down 7.6% in January 2026 to 52,413 mt, 12.2% Higher YOY

The latest data released by Argentina’s National Institute of Statistics and Census indicated that 2026 fresh beef exports (chilled and frozen) sustained the downward trend seen since August last year. January 2026 shipments showed a moderate pullback of 7.6% against December 2025 to 52,413 MT, though still represented a 12.2% year over year (YOY) increase...

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Feb 26 11:03 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: US Boneless Beef Cold Storage Stocks Post Steady Figure January 2026 MOM

Boneless beef cold storage stocks started 2026 with 39.45 million lbs in January, according to the latest US Department of Agriculture (USDA) cold storage report. This represents a nearly steady level with December figures. In recent years, January has kicked off with more product in freezers than the prior month. The steady figure this year could be propelled by cattle cycle trends, and lower US production figures.

Typically, as domestic production falls, cold storage stocks decline due to a combination of less domestic product entering freezers and...

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Feb 26 11:01 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: 2025 Turkey Exports Second Lowest in 25 Years as Production Tightens

Total turkey exports declined in 2025 following the trend of lower production. At 425 million lbs. of production, US exports of turkey meat were at the second lowest value of the past 25 years, only slightly higher than the volume of turkey moved in 2022...

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Feb 26 10:58 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Supply Tightens Ahead of Easter

In the run-up to Easter, market participants describe the EU egg sector as increasingly delicate, not because of a single disruptive event, but because of how little spare capacity remains in the system. Several traders and packers say production has been running close to planned levels for months, leaving limited flexibility to respond to shifts in demand. As one source noted, “there is simply less room to adjust than there used to be.”

Buyers across retail and food manufacturing are said to be acting cautiously. According to industry...

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Feb 26 10:55 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: New World Screwworm Activity and Regional Trends in Mexico

According to the latest SENASICA epidemiological update, week 8 data shows a total of 740 active New World screwworm cases, including 442 in bovine livestock. The increase in overall detections reflects additional cases in non‑bovine species, while bovine cases remained stable compared with the previous reporting period.

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Feb 25 11:14 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Jan 2026 Beef Exports Ease from 9-Month Highs to 43,933 MT

New Zealand’s beef exports in January 2026 retreated from December’s nine-month high, slumping to 43,933 metric tons (MT), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.

The New Year holiday closures kept outbound volumes lower by 11.0% or 5,403 MT from the prior month.

Declines were recorded across all major markets, with the exception of the United States (US), where November’s rollback of the 15% tariff under the US “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” helped lift...

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Feb 25 11:10 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Lower Slaughter Pulls Australia’s 2025 Lamb Production 5.2% Below Year Ago

Australia’s 2025 total lamb production retreated from 2024’s all-time high, totaling 597,068 metric tons (MT), according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Driven by its reduced flock size and extended dry weather conditions, output slumped by 5.2% year-on-year (YOY) or 32,614 MT.

Production across Victoria (VIC), New South Wales (NSW), Western Australia (WA) , South Australia (SA) recorded slight dips compared to last year with the exception of Tasmania (TAS).

In the south, bushfires and heatwaves late in Q4 2025 further compounded pressure on grazing conditions, with sheep pastures bearing the brunt of the impact compared with cattle...

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Feb 25 11:05 AM, Expana

The Retail Rundown: Winter’s Grip Lingers as Lent Lifts Seafood Features

As the last week of February winds down, retailers are eager to move beyond the month’s typical slowdown and pivot toward spring. Still, harsh winter weather, including a recent blizzard in the Northeast, has kept many shoppers in stock-up mode, with warmer days feeling distant for some.

Feature activity remains solid across the protein complex. Seafood commands 33% of total ad space, followed by pork at 22%. Beef accounts for about 20%, while chicken represents just over 15%. Egg promotions rose to 6%, up 2 points week-over-week...

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Feb 25 8:50 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Mexico’s Imports of Brazilian Beef Ease

Brazil’s beef exports to Mexico continued to trend lower in recent months, with January shipments totaling 3,218 metric tons, a 3% YOY increase but a sharp 32.7% MOM reduction. Despite the slight annual growth, the movement reflects a downward pattern that has developed over the past three months...

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Feb 24 10:50 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Total 2025 Beef Production Soar to Record 2.87M MT

Australia’s total 2025 total beef production soared to a record 2.87 million metric tons (MT), according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Rising by an impressive 11.7% year-on-year (YOY), the annual increment of 51,989 mt was driven by growth across all beef-producing regions.

Strong gains in Queensland, Australia’s top producer led most of the increases, followed by New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC).

In Q4 2025, beef production eased 6.1% from Q3 to...

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Feb 24 10:48 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Regional Self-Sufficiency and Freight Economics Weigh on US Cage-Free Market

The cage-free market remains under pressure this week as sluggish nationwide demand and shifting regional logistics reshape traditional trade flows. While more than 8.5 million layers have been lost to HPAI in 2026, roughly 80% of those losses have been concentrated in the Northeast. As a result, the Northeast is one of the few regions showing meaningful buying interest, though the impact on the broader spot market has been limited thus far. Retail, foodservice, further processing, and export demand all remain subdued, leaving spot market interest thin and supplies long across both cage-free and conventional segments...

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Feb 23 7:49 AM, Expana

United States Department Of Agriculture (USDA)

ANALYSIS: Korea’s 2026 KAFTA Quota Drawdown Accelerates as Australian Beef Flows Surge

While China’s safeguard has dominated headlines for weeks, Korea’s safeguard quota for Australian beef is quietly racing toward early exhaustion.

Korea’s customs import data showed that January 2026 alone consumed 23.6% of Australia’s 2026 allocation. By February 19, 45.42% of the allocation had already been used, leaving 107,005 metric tons (MT) remaining.

Korea’s Special Agricultural Safeguards (SSG) under the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) is set at 196,050 MT for 2026, with the in-quota tariff reduced 2.7 percentage points from last year to 5.3%...

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Feb 20 8:10 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Korea Logs Highest-Ever Monthly Beef Imports at 87,162 MT in January 2026

Korea’s beef imports surged to an all-time high of 87,162 metric tons (MT), according to the Korea Customs Service.

Surging by 39.8% year-on-year (YOY), the world’s fourth-largest beef importer saw gains totaling 24,809 MT across all key suppliers except for Canada.

On a monthly basis, volumes soared nearly eightfold, reversing four months of consecutive falls, as volumes climbed 68,923 MT. It is standard practice for importers to park cargo at ports or in bonded warehouses to take advantage of lower tariff rates when the new quota year resets on January 1...

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Feb 20 8:07 AM, Expana

Australian Beef

ANALYSIS: Diverging Protein Output Trends Take Shape In Q1

The USDA’s first-quarter 2026 production outlook underscores a protein landscape that is increasingly differentiating itself from this time last year. Supply growth is concentrated within the poultry and pork sectors, while beef production continues to face headwinds...

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Feb 19 9:50 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Turkey Poult Placements Rise Early in 2026 Before February Egg Sets Hit Seasonal Low

Poult placements started off this year 2.9% above last year and only 0.8% below the 5-year average. While the turkey industry still battles historically low supplies, this slight uptick in production potential was a generally well-received sign that the market might be on a path toward less supply constraints in the future. However, this rise in poult placements was followed by a subsequent...

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Feb 19 9:48 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US 90% Lean Heavy Cows Continue to Encounter YOY Gains

The latest USDA Live Cow Quotations report indicates that 90% lean cows weighing over 500 pounds are priced at $300.64 per hundredweight (cwt), reflecting a year-over-year increase of $42.75/cwt, or 16.6%. The year-to-date (YTD) average currently sits at $294.45/cwt. Just two years ago, the YTD average was $192.63/cwt, which highlights a 53% increase over that timeframe...

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Feb 18 11:07 AM, Expana

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Turns to Lent Promotions

This week in retail, attention is focused on Lent and the broader economic landscape, with inflation back in the spotlight following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release. Although overall inflation showed signs of cooling, food costs continue to edge higher on a monthly basis, keeping value messaging front and center as grocers work to attract price-sensitive consumers.

With the Christian Lenten season now underway, retailers are pivoting quickly. The 40-day period of fasting and reduced meat consumption among Catholics is traditionally a tailwind for seafood, and grocers are leaning into features and promotional pricing to capture traffic...

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Feb 18 9:15 AM, Expana

Federal Reserve

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Softens as Supply Pressures Intensify

The cage-free shell egg market has continued to weaken into the second week of February, with broad-based softness taking hold across the industry. Limited demand from most buying channels, combined with expanding production, has placed significant pressure on values following several weeks of supportive gains.

Retail demand had been the primary driver of the market in late January, supported by widespread winter storms and aggressive promotional activity. While cage-free demand is typically anchored by West Coast mandate-driven consumption, Midwest buying also strengthened during this period as down-packing opportunities emerged, effectively tightening available cage-free supplies...

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Feb 17 7:10 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: EU Free-Range Egg Prices Surge Amid Tight Supply

EU free-range egg markets have extended their rally for a third consecutive week, consolidating a robust recovery following several weeks of decline from mid-December 2025 to late January. In this week’s reporting, average values increased by 4.8% week-on-week, reflecting persistent tightness in cage-free supply and renewed bullish sentiment among market participants.

The rally comes after a period of subdued sentiment driven by balanced supply and steady consumer demand over the holiday period. However, the ongoing shift by major European retailers toward cage-free and higher-welfare eggs is increasingly reshaping supply across marketing channels. As supermarket shelf space prioritizes barn and free-range products, the availability of these...

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Feb 17 7:07 AM, Expana

Free Range Eggs

ANALYSIS: US 2026 Cattle Supply Crunch: Slaughter Falls, Imports Plunge, Herd Hits New Lows

In 2025, cattle slaughter fell 6.4% year over year, a decline of roughly 2 million head. By category, cow and bull slaughter posted the steepest drop, down 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, or about 800,000 head. Steer and heifer slaughter fell 6.1% YOY, a reduction of roughly 1.5 million head.

The January 2026 cattle inventory report shows total cattle and calves in the US down 8.5% since the July 2025 report and down 0.6% from January 2025...

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Feb 17 7:05 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s 2025 Cattle Slaughter Sinks to Seven-Year Low at 2.47M Head

New Zealand’s total livestock slaughter in the 2025 calendar year fell to the lowest level since 2018, totaling 2,466,567 head, according to the latest Stats NZ data.

Marking a seven-year low, cull numbers for bulls, cows, heifers, and steers dropped 6.1% year-over-year (YOY), down 159,999 head.

Rising cattle retention, fueled by strong dairy global demand and elevated prices, kept beef production tight throughout the year, restricting herd slaughter and pressuring...

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Feb 13 11:29 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Early-Year Broiler Production Trends Come Into Focus

As the industry moves through the opening month of 2026, market participants are increasingly scrutinizing early-year supply signals to gauge how production trends are shaping up relative to last year...

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Feb 13 11:27 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Asia’s Beef Trade 2025 Review and the Key Forces at Play in 2026

Asia’s beef trade in 2025 showed sharper shifts and clearer winners than a year earlier, as changes in demand, currency volatility, and policy moves redirected flows across the Asia Pacific.

Buyers leaned more heavily on Australian and New Zealand supply, while weaker regional currencies and rising staple food costs squeezed household protein budgets in key importing markets, pushing imports and consumption to multi year lows.

These forces hastened the reallocation of shipments and tightened availability in parts of the region, while fresh policy settings set the stage for a more contested trade environment in 2026....

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Feb 11 11:49 AM, Expana

The Retail Rundown: Beef Leads Valentine’s Protein Features as Lobster Prices Ease

Beef tops protein feature volume this week, accounting for 25.1% of ad space. Seafood follows at 23.6%, with pork at 23.1% and chicken at 22.1%. Egg promotions fell to just 2% of total protein ads, down four points from the prior week amid softening retail demand.

Steaks dominate Valentine’s beef promotions, representing 40% of all beef features. Ribeyes, T-bones, and boneless strip filets lead the lineup, and all at sizable premiums compared to last year.

According to Expana’s US Valentine’s Day Index, tenderloin prices have eased month-over-month...

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Feb 11 8:52 AM, Expana

Valentine's Day

ANALYSIS: Brazil's Beef Exports Began 2026 With Seasonal Pullback, Still Up 28.6% YOY to 231,821 mt

The latest data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services showed that beef exports opened 2026 at 231,821 mt in January, down 24% from December levels. Despite the seasonal pullback, shipping volume increased 28.6% compared to the first month of 2025.

China continued to be the major destination for Brazilian beef, though volumes declined 19.8% in comparison to the previous month to 119,876 mt, yet were 31.5% higher YOY. The country followed the overall performance, though with a milder monthly decline than...

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Feb 10 11:13 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: EU Retail Egg Sentiment Firms Slightly After January Correction

EU wholesale prices for medium/large eggs fell to €2,826 per metric ton in January, down 4.4% month-on-month, as post-holiday trading slowed and inventories rebuilt. Despite the decline, average prices remained nearly 20% above year-earlier levels, highlighting the market’s continued structural tightness and reduced production base...

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Feb 9 11:37 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Beef Buyers Pulled the Rally Forward, Why Choice Cutouts Strengthened in Late 2025

Expana Choice cutout values made a clear step higher in 2025, with both Q3 and Q4 posting meaningful year-over-year (YOY) gains compared to 2024. The back half of 2025 reflects a notable shift in pricing strength, driven by tighter availability and changes in buyer procurement behavior rather than seasonality alone.

The Choice cutout in 2025 shows a clear step up from 2024 in both the third and fourth quarters. In Q3, 2025 averaged 377.26/cwt, a sharp increase...

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Feb 9 11:34 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Loses Momentum as Demand Softens

Following recent gains in cage-free quotations across both the rest-of-market and West Coast regions, market momentum has slowed sharply, pushing the category into a clear testing phase. With aggressive promotional activity scaling back and retail engagement softening, buying interest has lost much of its earlier urgency. At the same time, a supply environment that remains fluid has added to uncertainty, leaving many participants describing sentiment as unsettled and directionally unclear.

Retail demand along the West Coast was notably strong throughout...

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Feb 9 11:31 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Broiler Hatchery Output Maintains Early-Year Expansion Signal

Early-year hatchery data continues to underscore the expansionary posture of the chicken industry. Across the opening stretch of the year, both egg sets and chick placements remain firmly above year-ago levels, reinforcing the industry’s long-standing YOY production growth trend. Egg sets for the first four weeks of 2026 ran 0.9% to 1.7% higher YoY, with each week establishing a new seasonal high. Chick placements have followed a similar trajectory, posting YOY gains ranging from 1.3% to just over 3.0%, further ...

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Feb 6 10:56 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Mexico Anchors US Pork Exports Despite November Volume Pullback

Recently released US pork export data from the USDA show that November 2025 pork exports totaled 613,099.6 K-lbs, declining 3.0% month-over-month (MOM) from October and 4.9% year-over-year (YOY). The softer performance reflects a combination of weaker Asian demand, lingering tariff-related headwinds, and potential reporting cadence effects tied to fewer available workdays.

Mexico remained the cornerstone of US export demand at 267,205.8 K-lbs, despite a 7.9% MOM pullback, as some Mexican importers exercised caution amid trade-related uncertainty at the time, even with the...

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Feb 5 7:05 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Solid Start to 2026 as Australia’s January Beef Exports Soar

Australia kicks off 2026 with an in-month record January beef exports of 84,343 mt metric tons (mt), according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

January has historically been a softer month, with holiday closures and weather disruptions curbing export volumes. Lunar New Year preparations normally weigh on trade, but this year’s mid-February festivities pushed back logistical hurdles, leaving January’s decline milder than expected.

Outbound volumes fell 42.8% month-on-month (MOM) by 63,189 mt but rose 4.1% higher year-on-year (YOY)...

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Feb 5 7:01 AM, Expana

Australian Beef

Japanese Imports

ANALYSIS: Extreme Volatility Keeps Participants Cautious in Fresh Turkey Breast Market

When it comes to the fresh tom breast meat market, record high prices were set from mid-September into October. Now, even with the current downturn in pricing, the value is still at a seasonal high.

For decades, fresh tom breast meat pricing fell between one and four dollars; it wasn’t until 2014 that the four-dollar mark was broken. Since then, the market has shown extreme volatility, falling $4.10 in a single year from September of 2022 to September of 2023 and rising $5.30 from November...

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Feb 5 6:58 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Beef Consumer Consumption Analysis for 2025

Retail prices across all protein commodities increased in 2025, with beef leading the surge. Beef prices climbed 3.7% on average, compared to 1.25% for pork and 1.2% for chicken. Given the nearly double increase for an already premium protein, the central question becomes: did consumers retreat from beef at the retail shelf?

The data suggests otherwise.

Chicken distribution declined 4.6% across the country. Despite this drop, total sales rose 0.97%, driven by the 1.2% price increase and a 2.8% gain in discounted pricing...

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Feb 4 11:59 AM, Expana

The Retail Rundown: Game Weekend Sparks Grocery Rush

The approaching game-day weekend is drawing shoppers into grocery stores as fans nationwide stock up for watch parties ahead of the Seattle Seahawks–New England Patriots showdown for the Lombardi Trophy.

Americans are expected to consume about 1.48 billion chicken wings during Sunday’s game, according to the National Chicken Council’s 2026 Chicken Wing Report, roughly 10 million more than last year and enough to wrap around the Earth more than three times.

Retail wing prices are competitive this season. Circana data show prices broadly in line with recent years, with fresh...

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Feb 4 9:27 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Supply Constraints Continue to Support a Firm Plant Protein Market

Supply constraints due to tariffs and rising input costs continue to support firm prices in the plant protein market. Particularly for pea protein, as countries including the US and Canada have placed anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese imports. The European Union is conducting a similar investigation, with a preliminary decision expected by March.

In Europe, players anticipate the market to rely on imports from alternative origins if Chinese tariffs take effect because local production will be...

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Feb 3 11:27 AM, Expana

Alternative Proteins

ANALYSIS: Weaker Output Pushes New Zealand’s 2025 Total Beef Exports to Seven-Year Low

New Zealand’s total beef exports in 2025 fell to the lowest level since 2018, reaching 462,216 mt, according to the latest Stats NZ data.

On an annual basis, volumes slipped 6.6% year-on-year (YOY), or 32,796 mt.

2025 At A Glance

High cattle retention, driven by rising dairy demand and elevated cattle prices, constrained beef production throughout 2025, limiting herd slaughter and weighing on exports.

Declines were seen across most major markets, with the US and China still taking the lion’s share of New...

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Jan 30 8:00 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Special-Fed Veal Market Conditions

US special-fed veal carcass prices remain at record-high levels, with Northeast Hide-off Carcasses (255/315 lb) trading in a $660 to $680/cwt range. Current prices are roughly 6 to 10% higher than 2025 averages, 28 to 32% above 2024 levels, and more than 120% above the 33-year average of about $296/cwt, underscoring tight supply conditions.

USDA Cattle Inventory reports from January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2025 show the US dairy cow herd declined by roughly 1%, reducing the pool of dairy-sourced calves available to the veal sector. At the same time, industry breeding data indicate...

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Jan 30 8:00 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Imports of Mexican Beef Firm at Start of Year

The Mexican export market has started the year with firm tones in fresh beef cuts moving into the US, as weekly import volumes continue to show upward movement relative to both the previous two years and the five-year average. Early-January data indicate that fresh beef cuts are posting year-on-year increases on a weekly basis, supported by stronger buying interest from US importers facing limited domestic availability. Market participants report that tighter US supplies of Select and Standard material have...

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Jan 29 11:07 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: Early-2026 Turkey Slaughter Signals Stabilization, Disease Risks Cap Upside Potential

2026’s preliminary weekly slaughter data for 2026 offers a cautiously constructive signal for the turkey industry. On paper, modest year-over-year improvements in turkey egg sets and poult placements toward year-end 2025 also suggest that a slight improvement in production could be in the cards as the year progresses. That said, optimism remains tempered by ongoing disease challenges, which loom large, keeping expectations restrained across the...

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Jan 29 11:03 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Saudi Disease Restrictions Accelerate EU Egg Market Adjustment

Saudi Arabia’s temporary suspension of poultry and egg imports from France and Poland, prompted by ongoing HPAI and Newcastle disease outbreaks, adds a further layer of disruption to an EU egg market already marked by elevated sanitary risks and fragmented trade flows. Although the immediate volume impact at the EU‑27 level remains limited relative to the 2020–2021 export peak, the suspension is highly significant in terms of trade concentration and risk pricing for key supplying member states.

Export data from the European Commission...

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Jan 28 11:02 AM, Expana

Middle East & Africa

ANALYSIS: December Turkey Cold Storage Inventories Stay Tight Despite Post-Holiday Shifts

The latest USDA cold storage report for December 2025 continues to underscore a tightly supplied turkey market, even as typical post-holiday adjustments begin to surface. On a year-over-year (YOY) basis, inventories across whole birds, breasts, legs, and total turkey holdings all remained lower, with declines ranging from roughly 27–34%, while MST was essentially flat; down just 1.2% YOY. Collectively, total turkey inventories finished December 24.6% below last year, reinforcing the ongoing impact of production constraints tied to HPAI and related health challenges.

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Jan 28 10:59 AM, Expana

The Retail Rundown: Protein Movement Gains from Championship Game and Severe Weather

February is typically a sluggish period for protein sales, but demand tied to the season’s championship football matchup is delivering a timely lift for retailers. As shoppers prepare for watch parties and at-home gatherings, meat cases are seeing an uptick in interest for value-oriented, crowd-friendly cuts.

This week’s promotional mix leans toward beef, which accounts for 26% of total features. Seafood follows closely at 25%, while pork represents 24%. Chicken promotions eased to 17.5%, and egg features held steady at 4%. Turkey ads account for 2% of total ads, led by ground turkey features...

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Jan 28 8:30 AM, Expana

Valentine's Day

Consumer Spending

ANALYSIS: US Boneless Beef Cold Storage Stocks Post the Lowest December Figure in 10 Years

Boneless beef cold storage stocks ended 2025 with 39.78 million lbs in December, according to the latest US Department of Agriculture (USDA) cold storage report. While this represents an increase of 1.25 million lbs from November, boneless beef cold storage figures typically climb throughout the latter half of

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Jan 27 10:46 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s Fresh Beef Exports Dropped 7.2% in 2025 to 713,363 mt

The latest data released by Argentina’s National Institute of Statistics and Census indicated that fresh beef exports (chilled and frozen) dropped further in December, extending the downward trend that had been in place since August and mirroring the pattern observed in the previous year. Shipments declined 14.5% MOM to 56,708 mt, standing 1.8% below December 2024 levels. On a full-year basis, fresh beef exports totaled 713,363 mt, 7.2% lower than 2024 figures.

This contraction occurred against a backdrop of tighter cattle availability and a shift in export composition, with a greater focus on higher value destinations and reduced reliance on volume driven flows, particularly to China. As a result, overall shipments remained constrained throughout the second half of the year, even as global demand conditions stayed firm.

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Jan 27 10:44 AM, Expana

Central & South America

ANALYSIS: Feature Activity Drives US Cage-Free Market Higher

The cage-free market along the West Coast has shifted decisively higher over the past two weeks, following a clear sequence of supply-driven price erosion, renewed retail confidence, and increasingly competitive spot market behavior. What began as a period of excess availability and falling wholesale values has transitioned into a demand-led recovery, anchored by aggressive retail feature activity.

Leading into Q4 2025, cage-free inventories grew and production began to outpace...

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Jan 26 10:55 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: EU Shell Egg Prices Ease, but Remain Historically Firm

The European shell egg market continues its anticipated post-holiday retraction, with prices easing for a sixth consecutive week. The decline aligns with the typical seasonal adjustment as retail and foodservice demand normalize following Q4 peaks. Nevertheless, despite the recent correction, the market remains fundamentally firm relative to early 2025 levels, reflecting structural tightness in supply and sustained industrial demand.

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Jan 26 10:49 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: January Pork Carcass Cutout Snapshot and the Effects of 2025

Despite a gradual downward trend that began in the second week of December 2025, the Expana pork carcass cutout value remains at historically elevated levels. Current pricing ranks as the second-highest January reading on record, trailing only 2022, based on data dating back to 2003.

For added perspective, values are still 2.1% above the start of 2025 and stand 17.6%...

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Jan 26 10:41 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: A Wrap on 2025 US Beef Production

Meat production has trended lower annually since 2022, with 2025 experiencing a 3.4% decrease. Over the past ten years, 2022-2023 marked the only other production decline more severe, at approximately 4%. Throughout the entire year, 2025 was only above 2024 levels on a monthly average basis for January, March, and December. Beyond those months, levels trailed the 2024 levels, with the largest differences being roughly 7.5% in both May and September. The average for 2025 was a beef production level that was 3.2% below that of the year prior.

When analyzing December 2025, beef production exceeded the...

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Jan 23 7:58 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: US Boneless Rib Market Year-End Review, Volatility Accelerated in 2025

Compared with 2024, the 2025 boneless rib market was defined by greater volatility and more aggressive price swings. Boneless rib values reached a record high of $14.67/lb in mid-September 2025, topping the 2024 peak set in mid-December by roughly 3%. Notably, the 2025 rally peaked well ahead of the traditional year-end holiday buying window, indicating that the market was pricing in forward supply risk and tightening availability rather than reacting solely to immediate seasonal demand. Higher cattle prices and reduction in slaughter prompted buyers to begin securing inventory earlier in the year...

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Jan 23 7:56 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Frozen Whole Turkey Prices Fall 10% in Early January Yet Remain Near Record Highs

Over the first couple weeks of January, frozen whole turkey quotations fell by 10% from the end of 2025. This is a much sharper decline than we see with the five-year average or with last year’s figures. However, frozen turkey quotations started the year at the second-highest level of all time, and they maintain that position even with the fall in prices. Moreover, recent input indicates that some stabilization may be starting to surface. If this is the case, it would make this year’s seasonal drop much shorter-lived than is typically seen...

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Jan 23 7:55 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Chicken Industry Sets Stage For Potential Production Gains in Q1

The USDA’s Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook forecast for first-quarter 2026 points to a familiar but increasingly pronounced theme across the protein complex when measured year-over-year against Q1 of ‘25. Total production trends remain uneven across the protein categories, with chicken production expectations remaining on the upswing, while other segments display more restrained or even lower, YOY projections.

Chicken production is firmly in expansion mode. Compared to Q1 last year, the USDA’s broiler production forecast advances on the back of higher chick placements, improving egg sets and placements, rising headcount, and heavier average live weights. Together, these factors are driving a significant YOY increase in...

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Jan 23 7:53 AM, Expana

ANALYSIS: Consumption Headwinds Trim China’s 2025 Beef Imports 2.5% YOY to 2.8M mt

China’s total beef imports in 2025 decreased 2.5% from a year ago to reach 2,802,150 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Yearly volumes fell 64,129 mt from 2024, though September bucked the trend with a record 315,886 mt of beef arrivals. Shipments from the Mercosur trade bloc including Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay showed uneven results, while Australian volumes posted the largest annual gain.

Since Q4 2025, the placement of most suppliers on China’s "Enhanced Supervision List" sharply...

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Jan 22 8:24 AM, Expana

Australian Beef

Central & South America

The Retail Rundown: Beef Leads Features as Winter Weather Boosts Comfort Foods

Beef leads protein feature activity this week, capturing 28.5% of total ad space. Seafood follows at 26%, while chicken gained momentum with a 20% share. Pork accounts for 18% of features, and turkey remained steady at roughly 2%.

Egg feature activity was generally flat week-over-week at about 4% as retail demand continues to build nationwide. Forecasted inclement weather across parts of the US later this week and into the weekend has lifted retailer needs, with buying activity picking up notably since early in the week, according to Expana...

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Jan 21 8:37 AM, Expana

FEATURED STORIES

ANALYSIS: AU & NZ Lamb Imports into US, Lower on Tight Supply

ANALYSIS: US Mid Atlantic Beef Cold Storage Figure Nears 10 Year Low for February

ANALYSIS: February Chicken Cold Storage Closes Month Under Mixed Backdrop

ANALYSIS: EU Barn Egg Prices Hit Record Highs on Structural Supply Tightness

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Mar 2026 Fever Pitch Beef Rush as China Safeguard Gap Narrows

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