Rabobank: Beef Quarterly Q2 2022

The first signs of softening consumer confidence are apparent in most markets, with wholesale prices for beef coming under pressure even though production costs are higher. A downward adjustment of cattle prices and upstream input costs will be needed to restore processor margins and to maintain beef’s competitiveness with consumers. We expect ongoing adjustments of consumption and margins in all markets as we head into Q3 2022.

Meanwhile, lockdowns in China and biosecurity risks in Indonesia pose notable implications for trade. Lockdowns of major Chinese cities are further constraining beef demand and restricting foodservice sales...

NCBA Renews Call for Suspension of Brazilian Beef Imports

Following the recent USDA report highlighting an increase in Brazilian beef imports, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) renewed its call for the immediate suspension of fresh beef imports from Brazil. NCBA has repeatedly called for a thorough audit of Brazil’s animal health and food safety system, to ensure the safety of the U.S. cattle herd. In 2021, Brazilian exports to the United States increased by 131 percent. In the first three months of 2022, Brazil has already shipped more than 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef to the...

USMEF Statement on Adjustments to Japan’s Beef Safeguard

Today the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced changes to the safeguard on Japan’s imports of U.S. beef. More details are available in this joint press release.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

“USMEF greatly appreciates the efforts of USTR and USDA to adjust Japan’s safeguard on U.S. beef. The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement was a tremendous breakthrough for the U.S. meat industry, including the significant reduction in Japan’s tariffs on U.S. beef, but the playing field has..."