News and Events
01 Jul 2026
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What does the Beef Market Outlook June reveal?
Welcome to the Beef Market Outlook June 2026, your monthly overview of global beef markets and pricing trends. This edition reviews data from May 2026, examining recent developments in beef production, cattle pricing, and export activity across Europe, Brazil, China, and the United States. Through clear, data-led insights, we outline the main drivers shaping global supply and demand, trade flows, and overall market performance.
What made May 2026 a mixed month for global beef prices?
In May, Brazilian prices went a bit down, but world demand for this meat remains very strong. In Europe, male prices decreased as consumption is impaired by inflation. USA prices are soaring and Chinese prices improving.
Why did European cattle prices ease in May 2026?
In May, male carcass prices decreased by 5% in a month (US$) but were still 6% above 2025 record level. Male prices decline in summer but also because beef consumption has decreased a bit in several countries. Consumer beef prices have soared by 10% year-on-year Greece, and in France since 6 months, which impacts consumption.
What is keeping US cattle prices at record highs?
In May, steer prices increased by 4% in a month and were 13% above last year’s record level, cattle inventories declining for years. Cattle on feed for more than 150 days was again at historic level on May the 1st, with a slower pace of slaughtering than expected. Carcass weights are ever increasing. New World Screw Worm was found in a Texas calf in June, but the area where the pest is present is still very small, so the impact on US production may be small. Beef imports increased by 14% in the first 4 months of 2026 compared to 2025, with the highest increases from Mexico, Australia and Brazil. Exports decreased by 18% y-o-y.
How did Brazil turn May into a record month for beef exports?
In May, brazilian beef prices decreased by 4% in a month but were still 24% above 2025 level (US$). Brazilian beef exports soared to 1.63 million cwt between January and May, +15% year-over-year. May broke an absolute record for brazilian exports in May (Secex). China & Hong Kong received 823.000 cwt from Brazil in 5 months, +24% above 2025 record level. To China alone, 615.000 metric tons were sent, or 56% of the annual quota before 55% Chinese tariff rate. In 2026; Brazil sent 9% more meat to the US y-o-y, 35% more to Egypt and +21% to the EU (52.000 cwt).
Why are China’s tariff quotas becoming a key beef market signal?
In 2026, chinese beef prices have been increasing regularly: +2% in May compared to April, and +11% compared to 2025. China has rebalancing its’ beef market. China’s meat furbishers say they sent 7% extra beef y-o-y to China & Hong-Kong in the first 4 months of 2026. Brazil and Australia have speeded up their sales, even though they are limited by the maximum quota before 55% extra tariff-rate. Australia probably already completed its’ 0-extra-tarrif-quota in June, and Brazil may complete its’ quota 2 months in advance.
Source:
Writers:
Caroline Gremillet (market data) and Ilona Blanquet (ABCIS, beef market analysis).