<\/p>\n
The strong performance of Brazilian beef exports has helped keep the market heated, but on the farm, ranchers in Mato Grosso are already feeling a growing challenge with the cost of restocking.<\/p>\n
Last week, the average price of a 7-arroba calf reached R$ 16.86 per kilo, an increase of 2.84% compared to the previous week. According to the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (Imea), this value represents the highest nominal level in the historical series, reflecting the lower supply of animals and the retention of females on farms.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the price of finished cattle for future delivery was quoted at R$ 356.81 per arroba, with a slight decrease of 0.51% compared to the previous week. This movement indicates a more balanced market between supply and demand, but does not eliminate the pressure on margins, especially for those involved in raising, fattening, and feedlot operations.<\/p>\n
According to Imea's analysis, calves continue to accumulate higher appreciation than finished cattle over the last 12 months. On average up to the third week of April, the calf indicator reached R$ 16.10 per kilo, an increase of 22.24% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, finished cattle on forward contracts registered an annual increase of 10.70%, quoted at R$ 355.87 per arroba during the same period.<\/p>\n
This imbalance keeps replacement costs at high levels and reinforces the need to pay attention to the margins of the activity.<\/p>\n
In the international market, the scenario remains favorable. Data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex) indicates that, up to the fourth week of April, Brazil had already shipped 216,270 tons of beef, with revenue of US$1.34 billion. The average daily export reached 13,520 tons, an increase of 11,951 tons compared to April 2025.<\/p>\n
If the pace is maintained until the end of the month, the exported volume could reach 283,850 tons, which would represent a new record for April. The average price per ton also increased, reaching US$6,200.66, a rise of 23.24% year-on-year.<\/p>\n
According to Imea, the current situation combines two important trends. On one hand, strong international demand is supporting beef prices; on the other, a tighter supply of replacement cattle is increasing costs on the farm.<\/p>\n
"The export outlook is positive and helps to support the market. However, the increased cost of replacement requires producers to closely monitor margins and strengthen their activity planning," Imea points out.<\/p>\n
Imea's recommendation is that livestock farmers carefully evaluate their buying, selling, and feedlot decisions, considering not only current prices but also production costs, the exchange rate, and the strategy of each production system.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n