Meat exports generated income of more than US$2 billion. Among the 48 export destinations, increases in sales to the United States, Chile and Israel stood out.
During the period January-September 2024, the Argentine beef exports reached a volume of 699,987 tons (beef with bone), generating revenues of US$2,122 millionthe highest record in 57 years, according to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Ministry of Economy.
Among the 48 export destinations, the increases in sales to the United States (46%), Chile (21%), Israel (11%), the European Union (7%) and China (4%). In addition, Mexico entered as a new relevant market, occupying sixth place in the ranking, followed by Brazil, Russia, Canada and Malaysia. These ten markets concentrated 99% of exports in volume.
As for the types of exported products, 16% corresponded to chilled cuts and the rest to frozen cuts, with or without bone. In comparison, in 2023 chilled cuts were sent to 31 destinations, while in 2024 an additional one was added; destinations for frozen cuts, meanwhile, increased from 31 to 44.
Internallycattle slaughter reached 10.22 million heads in the first nine months of the year, exceeding the average of 9.9 million heads for the 2017-2022 period (not including the atypical 2023). Beef production stood at 2,336 million tons of bone-in beef, above the historical average of 2,252 million tons. Of the total produced, 70% was destined for domestic consumption and the rest for export.
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What happens with domestic meat consumption
However, the Domestic beef consumption is declining. According to data from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Meats and Derivatives of the Argentine Republic (Ciccra), apparent consumption so far in 2024 is estimated at 1,646 million tons of bone-in beef, 11.3% less than the same period of the previous year, equivalent to a fall of 209,800 tons. This level of consumption is the lowest in 26 yearswith an average per capita consumption of 46.8 kilos per year between January and September 2024, which represents a decrease of 12.3% compared to the same period in 2023.
As for the prices, In September, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Greater Buenos Aires (IPC-GBA INDEC) rose 3.7% monthly, with a year-on-year variation of 214%, showing a slowdown for the fifth consecutive month. In the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, the increase was 2.2%. Prices of meat and derivatives increased by 3.1% monthly, although the increase in the main beef cuts was only 1%. The largest increases were seen in whole chicken (5.2%) and frozen burgers (7.5%).
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
