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ANALYSIS: UK Cattle Supply Expected to Tighten by 2026
UK cattle supplies are expected to decline further in 2026, influenced by the reduced calf registrations observed in 2024 and 2025. Producer confidence remains mixed due to uncertainties about the industry’s future, impacted by policy changes such as farm payment reforms and potential inheritance tax adjustments. These factors might accelerate culling activities if producers decide to downsize or exit production, potentially affecting prime cattle availability at the beginning of 2026.
Expanding the beef herd requires time to cycle through production, suggesting that supply recovery in 2026 may be limited. Market analysts caution...
The Retail Rundown: A Season of Plenty, Except for Turkey
For retailers, this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one of plenty. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects November and December sales to surpass $1 trillion for the first time, underscoring consumers’ continued spending power.
“American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive U.S. economic activity,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
While foodservice outlets are poised to capture consumer traffic on hectic days, retail prepared foods and frozen entrées are well-positioned to compete for at-home dining occasions as shoppers seek convenient, time-saving meal solutions...
Premium Brands Reports Record Q3 Revenue of $2.0 Billion, Raises Full-Year Sales Guidance
Premium Brands, a leading specialty food manufacturer and distributor in the US and Canada, announced its third-quarter fiscal results, highlighting significant achievements.
The company reported a record third-quarter revenue of $2.0 billion, a 19.1% increase from the same period last year, driven by a 10.3% organic volume growth rate.
Strong performance was seen in its core US growth initiatives, with protein, sandwiches, and artisan baked goods posting a combined 24.3% organic volume growth rate. Including...
ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Oct Beef Exports Up 1.9% MOM to 320,558 MT, Setting Second Consecutive Record
The latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services indicated that October’s fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports totaled 320,558 mt, surpassing September’s previous record of 314,690 mt by 1.9% and setting a new all-time high. On a year-over-year (YOY) basis, this represents an 18.6% growth from October last...
ANALYSIS: Navigation Rising Beef Prices and Evolving Blend Trends
When analyzing the majority of October in 2024 and the same period in 2025, the average grinds distribution was lower in 2025 except for 85-89%, 90-94%, and ground sirloin. Despite these few areas of growth, total average distribution fell 11.5% year-over-year. At the same time, non-discounted prices were about 9% higher, and discounted prices were up roughly 8%.
NCBA Supports Legislation to Expand Local Beef Sales
Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced continued support for the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act. This legislation introduced by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) would increase marketing opportunities for smaller meat processors and give consumers more options to buy local beef.
“The cattle business benefits greatly from expanding marketing opportunities, and the DIRECT Act opens the door to the growing number of cattle producers who seek to grow their market across state lines,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “The increased market exposure...
Wendy's Sees Strong International Growth Amid US Market Challenges in Q3
Hot off the grill, Wendy's released financial results from its third quarter of its fiscal year, showcasing a strong international performance despite challenges in the US market.
Interim CEO Ken Cook highlighted an 8.6% growth in systemwide sales internationally, bolstered by the addition of 54 new restaurants globally and improved adjusted EBITDA.
"Third quarter results were in line with our expectations, reflecting continued strength in our international business," Cook stated. In the U.S., operational initiatives led to a 4% outperformance in comparable sales at Company-operated...
ANALYSIS: Uruguay’s October Beef Exports Fall 3.2% MOM to 30,506 MT, Up 8.1% YOY
The latest data released by Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate indicates that fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports fell for the third consecutive month, down another 3.2% month-over-month (MOM) to 30,506 metric tons (MT) in October 2025. This represents an 8.1% increase from the same period last year.China remained the main destination, but its share of total shipments shrank MOM from 45.6% last month to 42.2%, now totaling 12,887 mt. This figure is 10.3% lower in comparison to September but still reflects a 15.5% growth year-over-year (YOY)...
Ranchers Support Steve Pearce's Nomination to Lead BLM
Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) announced support for President Trump’s nomination of former Congressman Steve Pearce to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
“Having represented New Mexico in Congress and the State House for decades, former Rep. Steve Pearce understands the important role that public lands play across the West. Pearce’s experience makes him thoroughly qualified to lead the BLM and tackle the issues federal lands ranchers are facing,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover...
ANALYSIS: Australia’s Oct 2025 Beef Exports Flat MOM as Korea Pulls Back
Australia’s beef exports in October 2025 held largely steady month-on-month (MOM) to 139,0285 metric tons (MT), data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) showed.
Edging up just 0.2% or 274 mt from September, monthly growth was curbed mainly by lower outbound shipments to Korea as the impact of its safeguard activation took hold. Shipments to the United States (US), China, and Southeast Asia also eased, while Japan logged a solid monthly rebound underpinned by replenishment demand.
On a yearly basis, exports were ...
The Retail Rundown: Turkey Promotions Climb as Holiday Demand Takes Hold
Turkey ads now make up nearly 4% of protein features this week and are on pace to capture a larger share next week as seasonal demand gathers momentum. Beef holds 23.8% of ad space, pork accounts for 22.8%, and chicken eased to 19%—down one point from last week. Eggs have 3% of this week’s buying opportunities, up one point compared to the week prior.
Within the turkey category, ads for frozen whole birds and fresh or frozen parts are evenly split, each accounting for 28% of turkey features...
USMEF Statement on Progress in Trade Negotiations with China
The White House provided more details Nov. 1 on the measures agreed to in last week’s meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including progress on agricultural trade barriers imposed by China and suspension of port service fees that raise costs for U.S. exporters.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
USMEF is encouraged by the progress being made in trade negotiations with China, and we appreciate the Trump administration’s emphasis on restoring market access for U.S. agricultural exports. If China follows through on its commitment to...
ANALYSIS: Argentina’s September 2025 Beef Exports Pulled Back 1.7% MOM to 71,328 mt
Argentina’s fresh beef exports (chilled and frozen) slowed down after increasing for five consecutive months, down 1.7% month-over-month (M-O-M) to 71,328 metric tons (mt) in September, according to the latest data released by the National Institute of Statistics and Census. This marks a 1.9% year-over-year (Y-O-Y) decline when compared to September 2024.
On a quarterly basis, Q3 shipments were 4.08% higher than the same period last year, now totaling 207,572 mt...
ANALYSIS: Mexican Ribeye Export Prices Firm on Year-End Demand
The Mexican export market for boneless ribeye continued to show firm upward momentum through late October, with current prices averaging around USD 7.15/lb, up roughly 1.5 USD/lb from year-ago levels. Demand has strengthened notably in recent weeks as buyers seek to secure product for November and December holiday programs. In addition, the weaker US dollar against the Mexican peso has exerted upward pressure on export quotations, supporting firmer tones across the segment as participants reported increased activity to cover end-of-year...
Hormel Shakes Up Leadership In Recent Announcements
Set to coincide with the anniversary of his 30th year of service, PJ Conner, VP of Retail Sales at Hormel Foods, will retire this spring.
"PJ has been a tremendous asset to the organization throughout his three-decade long career,” said John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods. “He has consistently delivered results, inspired his teams, and helped shape our company’s strategy and culture. We are grateful for his insight, dedication, and focus on supporting our retail partners. His vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on Hormel Foods...
Expansion and Menu Innovations Lead in Foodservice this Week
This week, Expana gathered a collection of headline-worthy news, showcasing the vibrant and constantly evolving world of foodservice. From strategic expansions to culinary innovations, these stories underscore the dynamic nature of the industry and its unwavering momentum.
International Expansion on the Horizon for TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is gearing up for significant international growth, announcing two master franchise agreements today. In India, USR Hospitality (USR) will develop 51 new locations, while Mid-City Operadora Sapi de CV (MCO_Mexico) is set to open 50 new outlets in...
Australian Beef Industry Sets Global Benchmark in Sustainability Performance
The Australian beef industry has released its 2025 Annual Update under the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF), showcasing record-breaking environmental achievements, strengthened market access, and a clear roadmap for future sustainability leadership. Since 2005, the industry has reduced net CO₂-e emissions by 70.1%, largely driven by carbon sequestration in the landscape on grazing land. Beef production reached an all-time high of 2.75 million tonnes, achieved with improved efficiency and reduced waste. Solid waste to landfill in the processing sector fell by 71.6% between...
The Retail Rundown: Holiday Rush Builds Amid Tight Turkey Supplies
As November approaches, the holiday retail rush is underway, and all eyes are on the season’s centerpiece: turkey. Tight supplies and near-record wholesale prices have shaped this year’s turkey market, stirring concerns about Thanksgiving availability.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, has intensified supply pressures, with cold storage inventories at near historic lows. Many processors are reporting major production shortages heading into the holiday season as the number of turkeys harvested year-to-date hovers at an all-time low, according to Expana's market reporters...
ANALYSIS: US Cattle Grading Prime at Unprecedented Levels
Cattle grading Prime this year has been at high levels compared to historical data dating back to 1996 and currently are at record levels for this time of year. While genetics play a role in this improvement, another factor driving higher grading percentages is that producers are holding onto their cattle longer. With market prices at favorable levels, producers are incentivized to add more weight to their animals before marketing them...
Sysco Posts Mixed Q1 Results, Reiterates Full-Year Guidance
Today, Sysco Corp. posted mixed results in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Its report showed an increase in sales while several GAAP profitability measures slipped and adjusted results improved.
For the 13 weeks ended Sept. 27, 2025, sales increased 3.2% to $21.1 billion. Gross profit rose 3.9% to $3.9 billion and gross margin widened 13 basis points to 18.5%. Sysco said product cost inflation was about 3.4%, driven largely by meat and seafood.
GAAP operating income fell 1.0% to $800 million, while adjusted operating...
ANALYSIS: Mexican Beef Exports Surge Amid Higher Brazilian Supply
Mexico’s beef sector has entered October with export volumes to the US reaching their highest levels in nearly three years. Fresh beef shipments rose sharply during the first weeks of the month, marking a significant shift in trade behavior compared with the more moderate pace observed earlier in the year. This increase has coincided with a broader effort to manage inventories and balance the domestic supply chain amid stronger Brazilian imports to the Mexican domestic market, which have increased overall availability...
USMEF Statement on USTR's Announcement of Trade Deals with Southeast Asian Countries
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced agreements on reciprocal trade with Malaysia and Cambodia and frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with Thailand and Vietnam.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:
USMEF greatly appreciates USTR’s tireless efforts to address both tariff and non-tariff barriers that have kept the U.S. as a minor supplier of red meat to the ASEAN region. With the U.S. beef industry currently lacking access to China, improved access to Southeast Asia is desperately needed to provide...
ANALYSIS: New Zealand Q3 2025 Beef Exports Tumble 4.5% YOY, Hit 11-Month Lows in Sept 2025
New Zealand’s beef exports in Sept 2025 retreated to the lowest level since October 2024, coming in at 27,811 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.
Falling by 6.0% month-on-month (M-O-M), outbound shipments were 1,788 mt lower, compared to August 2025, hampered by lower tonnage to the United States (US) and China, while exports to Japan, Korea, Canada...
ANALYSIS: Record Beef Prices and Reduced Cattle Supply in 2025 Are Reshaping the US Market
The 2025 US cattle slaughter pace continues to lag well below historical norms, marking one of the lowest levels for this period in over a decade. Weekly federally inspected slaughter rate is running roughly 7% under 2024, tracking near levels last seen in 2014–2015, when the US market faced a similar phase of herd contraction in...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #32
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 #32."
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.
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This week, the US administration has continued to pressure trading partners like India to curb imports of Russian oil as to sanction the country during its war with Ukraine, cited Expana...
Secretary Rollins Announces Plan for American Ranchers and Consumers
Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced a suite of actions to strengthen the American beef industry, reinforcing and prioritizing the American rancher’s critical role in the national security of the United States. Since 2017, the United States has lost over 17% of family farms, more than 100,000 operations over the last decade. The national herd is at a 75-year low while consumer...
AFBF Cautions Against Disrupting Fragile US Beef Supply
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the future of America’s beef supply.
“Farm families are no different from other American families. We feel the impact of higher grocery costs, but don’t get to set the prices. Meanwhile, farmers are suffering through an economic storm – expenses remain high, and cattle farms have been decimated by years of low prices, drought and the threat of the New World screwworm. They are just beginning to experience a fragile recovery...
President Trump Undercuts America’s Cattle Producers
In a misguided effort to lower the price of beef in grocery stores, President Trump said he plans to increase the volume of beef being imported from Argentina. Efforts to manipulate markets only risk damaging the livelihoods of American cattlemen and women, while doing little to impact the price consumers are paying at the grocery store.
“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and its members cannot stand behind the President while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef in an attempt to influence prices,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall...
ANALYSIS: China’s Q3 2025 Meat Imports Tumble 3.9% YOY at 1.58M mt Amid Subdued Uptake
China imported 1,581,869 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats in the third quarter of 2025, slumping 3.9% (63,689 mt) from a year ago, according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
The slowdown in China’s meat imports continued through Q3 as domestic production gains, heavy inventories, and a sluggish economy dampened buying appetite. Persistent trade frictions and the lingering impact of meat plant license suspensions linked to disease concerns and permit lapses also disrupted inflows, particularly...
The Retail Rundown: Poultry Promotions Pick Up Steam
Retailers are leaning into autumn demand with meat and poultry features this week, as consumers favor home-cooked meals and prepare for the holiday season.
With Thanksgiving a little more than five weeks away, early holiday promotions are starting to surface. Turkey features are gaining momentum, now accounting for 5% of total ad space, up two points from the previous week.
Retail buying opportunities for seafood and beef held steady week-over-week at 27.5% and 22.2%, respectively. Pork promotions dipped to 21.4% as National Pork Month wraps up, while chicken features rose to 19.4%.
Senate Agriculture Committee Advances Key Wildfire Bill
Today, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee advanced the bipartisan and bicameral Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) out of committee. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) support full Senate passage of this legislation that directs federal agencies to expand the use of livestock grazing to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire across the West.
“The established science is clear: grazing can reduce wildfire risk by up to 80 percent. Given the widespread risk of catastrophic wildfire, the federal government must better utilize grazing to combat the...
ANALYSIS: Record US Calf Weights Reflect Smaller Herds
Federally inspected live calf weights have reached record highs in 2025, averaging above 350 pounds through much of the spring and summer period, well above the three-year seasonal average near 290 pounds. The increase reflects producers feeding calves to heavier weights in response to tighter calf supplies and smaller national inventories. Throughout 2025, live weights have consistently tracked above previous years, with the sharpest divergence noted from March through August. This year’s weights have remained elevated even as temperatures moderate, suggesting continued efforts to maximize carcass yield and offset reduced slaughter...
China's Meat Output Rises Nearly 4% Through Third Quarter 2025 as Imports Fall
China’s meat sector rose 3.8% through the first three quarters of 2025, driven by strong domestic poultry output, while import volumes slumped, according to recently released data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The broader economic picture shows that the world’s second-largest economy grew 4.8% during Q3, its slowest pace in a year, as weak domestic demand left China increasingly dependent on strong export activity.
Although the growth rate keeps China on track for its roughly 5% annual target, economists question whether the momentum is sustainable, given the country's reliance on external demand amid trade tensions with the United States...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #30
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #30."
On October 7, US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney met in the White House. The possibility a US-Canadian trade deal was a main topic of discussion...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29."
On September 29, the US placed 50% tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products, according to the US Presidential Action.
Also starting October 1, the US will be imposing 100%...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28."
On Tuesday in New York, US President Trump gave remarks to the United Nations General Assembly, via the White House live stream...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27."
US tariff revenue may be used to fund the nation’s farmers, reported Reuters about an interview between Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the Financial Times...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #26
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #26."
Despite 50% tariffs remaining on Brazil and India, the Indian Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump expressed positivity that the respective trade teams would reach a deal, according to their latest social media...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25."
In the States, a federal appeals court ruled that US President Trump’s use of global tariffs exceeded presidential authority, but they remain active until at least October 14, 2025...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24."
On August 22, Canadian Prime Minister Carney dropped most retaliatory tariffs on US products, beginning September 1, reported Expana in an article that suggested the move may help soothe trade relations...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23."
This week, tariff news took a bit of a backseat to US President Trump’s dealings with Russian President Putin in Alaska—along with President Trump’s meeting with many European leaders...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22."
The timeline for tariff negotiations between the US and China trade teams has been extended for another 90 days—moving the deadline to November 10, according to a White House fact sheet...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21."
On August 6, US President Trump issued an executive order that imposes a new 25% additional ad valorem tariff on imports from India into the States, effective 21 days after the White House announcement...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17."
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...
This week, reciprocal tariffs were re-announced in the form of letters from the US Trump administration to trading partners who could not reach a trade deal within the previously granted 90-day pause...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #10
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #4
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FEATURED STORIES
ANALYSIS: Turkey Consumption Falls as Production Drops Even Faster Amid Supply Constraints
ANALYSIS: US Pork Ham Relative to Thanksgiving Turkey and Beef
ANALYSIS: Narrowing Price Spread Fuels Competition for Cage-Free Eggs