Fed cattle prices are practically stable in March, but rise at the end of the month

Cepea, April 2, 2025

CATTLE – Fed cattle quotations oscillated slightly in March; however, they increased at the end of the month. The CEPEA/ESALQ Index (São Paulo) closed at BRL 319.50 on March 31, upping 2.75% compared to that on February 28. Cattle raisers continue firm about prices in São Paulo state, leading purchasers to boost the demand in other regions.

As for beef, in the wholesale market of the Greater São Paulo, values rose 1.37% in the accumulated of March, closing at BRL 22.13/kg on March 31.

Concerning exports, the daily average in the partial of the month (up to the third week of March) is 51% above that in March/24, and prices in the Brazilian currency are 24% higher.

SLAUGHTERS – The volume of heifer slaughters increased 25.5% from 2023 to 2024 in Brazil – between 2022 and 2023, the percentage was at 34.5%, according to data from the IBGE. In Mato Grosso, state that has the biggest herd, the increase of heifer slaughters hit 43% last year.

SWINE – Average prices for live swine and pork meat moved down in all regions surveyed by Cepea in March. This scenario is a result of the low liquidity of pork meat sales in the wholesale market and the higher supply of animals compared to the current demand from meatpackers.

EXPORTS – The daily average of in natura pork shipments in the partial of March (13 producing days) is at 5.6 thousand tons, upping 26.5% compared to the month before and 13.8% in relation to March 2024. In case this pace continues up to the end of the month, the amount exported may hit 117 thousand tons, the second highest in history, considering Secex series (since 1997).

POULTRY – Chicken meat prices registered distinct variations among regions surveyed by Cepea in the end of March. In some areas, the upward trend was influenced by the good performance of chicken meat exports in the month. Thus, prices were firm in Southern Brazil (chicken meat exporter). In other regions, especially in the Greater São Paulo, the low domestic demand resulted in slight price drops and/or stability.

According to data from Secex, the daily average of in natura chicken meat exports totaled 24.9 thousand tons in the first 13 producing days of March, upping 14.1% compared to February and 27% in relation to March/24. Moreover, it is the highest daily volume ever registered in the Secex series (since 1997).

(Cepea-Brazil)