Brazil pork prices climb on stronger demand and wage boost

Firm demand drove up prices for live pigs and pork meat across nearly all regions surveyed by Cepea in early August, according to a recent market report.

Market players pointed to Brazil’s Father’s Day (August 10) and a seasonal rise in purchasing power following early-month wage payments as key factors behind the increase in demand.

In the SP-5 region—which includes Bragança Paulista, Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo and Sorocaba—live pig prices paid by processors jumped 10.5% between July 31 and August 15, reaching an average of 8.82 reais per kilogram ($1.62 US) on August 15.

As for special pork carcasses, which saw sluggish sales in July, early August brought improved liquidity. In the wholesale market of Greater São Paulo, prices rose 11.6% in the first half of the month, averaging 12.96 reais per kilogram ($2.39 US) on August 15.