Beef consumption in Argentina falls to lowest level in two decades

Argentina is forecasting its lowest beef consumption in more than 20 years amid record exports and soaring prices. According to industry organizations, the country’s average meat consumption has fallen to 47.3 kg per capita per year, while exports continue to grow.

In January-March 2026, domestic beef consumption in Argentina amounted to 512.8 thousand tons, which is 10% less than in the same period last year. At the same time, meat exports reached 199.7 thousand tons in terms of bone-in weight, which is 17.1% higher than in 2025. Thus, the country is increasingly focused on external markets.

The reduction in domestic supply is associated with a decrease in livestock slaughter. In April 2026, 960.9 thousand cattle were slaughtered in Argentina, which is 15.3% less than a year earlier. Beef production amounted to 226.1 thousand tons in terms of carcass weight. Lower supply in the domestic market continues to push prices up.

Amid stable external demand, export prices for Argentine beef remain high. In April, the country exported 46.1 thousand tons of chilled and frozen meat, earning $321 million in revenue, which is 19.7% more than last year. The average export price reached $6,968 per ton — the highest level in the last four years. China remains the largest buyer, accounting for more than 57% of exports, followed by the United States and the European Union.

According to the Argentine Institute for the Development of the Meat Industry, domestic beef prices have increased by 68.6% in the past year, well ahead of inflation. Analysts expect that meat consumption in Argentina could soon fall to 43-44 kg per person due to reduced supply and increased competition from export markets.

Tags: Beef cattle, Argentina