The price of Paraguayan cattle reached a new historic record, hitting $5.30 per kilogram of carcass on August 11, according to data from the FaxCarne report. The quotation exceeded values recorded in previous weeks, consolidating an upward trend maintained since mid-last year.
The annual price evolution is significant, with the current quotation representing a substantial cumulative increase compared to the reference value from thirteen months ago. Acceleration is also evident in the short term, with a considerable increase just between mid-July and mid-August.
Simultaneously, US President Donald Trump announced the temporary suspension of import tariffs for up to 300,000 metric tons of beef destined for grinding over the next 90 days. The measure aims to increase supply and contain rising prices in the domestic US market.
For Paraguay, the decision is particularly relevant. According to José Carlos Martin Camperchioli, president of the National Service for Animal Quality and Health (Senacsa), almost all beef that the country exports to the US falls into the "beef for grinding" category. The United States is the third main destination for Paraguayan beef in FOB value and the largest buyer of inedible animal byproducts.
Industry representatives assess the measure as an opportunity for the local market. Daniel Burt, general manager of the Paraguayan Meat Chamber, considered the news positive, reinforcing that the commercial opening coincides with a moment of historically high prices and regional appreciation of animal protein.
The upward trend is not exclusive to Paraguay. The average price of steers in Mercosur also showed appreciation, with the country positioning itself above this regional average. Uruguay and Argentina, the latter in its export category for the European Union, recorded quotations higher than Paraguay's, while Brazil showed a lower average value among its main exporting states.
This scenario of high prices, combined with the new commercial window in the United States, places the Paraguayan beef production chain at a strategic moment, potentially reinforcing international demand for its production.