The Global Livestock Report

Cattle prices in Paraguay remained firm at the highest levels so far this year, with list references for common steers and heifers at US$ 4.55 per kg carcass weight and US$ 4.20 for fat cows.

Paraguayan beef exports in 2026 are forecast at 490,000 tons carcass weight equivalent (cwe), down six percent due to smaller slaughter and lower beef output, said the USDA office in Buenos Aires. Chile is expected to remain the leading destination, though shipments are projected to decline, while demand from the United States, Taiwan, and Israel is anticipated to remain strong.

Prices for export cattle continued to strengthen. The best-quality export steers, crossbred with British breeds, are trading in the range of Ar$ 6,000–6,100 per kilo carcass weight, while Zebu cross steers are around Ar$ 5,900–6,000, with a floor about Ar$ 100 higher than the previous week.

For livestock consignor Carlos José Colombo, cattle ranching is once again consolidating as a productive business, with incentives to produce heavier animals and exporters gaining prominence in the market, according to an interview published in the specialized report Informe Ganadero.

The government announced a significant change in the national foot-and-mouth disease vaccination plan. Beginning with the second campaign of 2026, heifers and steers will no longer be vaccinated, as they are considered to have sufficient immunity. The change in the scheme will result in about 14 million fewer doses being applied, representing savings of approximately US$ 22 million for producers, according to the official estimate.

Market conditions for slaughter cattle remain unchanged, with a minimal supply of grassfed animals and very strong demand. Prices continue to rise and are now very close to the highs of the first half of May 2022, when special grassfed steers reached US$ 5.60 per kilo.