Paraguay's beef processing returns to 'regular' levels after record year

Paraguay's beef processing sector experienced a notable rebound in July, with frigorificos handling 190,839 cattle. This figure represents an increase of 18,307 heads compared to June but falls short by 6% when measured against July of the previous year, when 203,383 heads were processed.

Despite the July uptick, the cumulative data for January through July 2026 reveals a significant year-on-year decline of 17% in beef processing. A total of 1,081,918 cattle were processed during this period, a stark contrast to the 1,380,490 heads processed by the seventh month of 2025. This downturn follows a trend of decreased activity observed at the beginning of the year, with January seeing a 28% drop and February a 25% decrease.

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Daniel Burt, general manager of the Paraguayan Chamber of Meat (CPC), described the current numbers as "regular" when compared to the "record" achieved last year. He explained that the current figures align more closely with those from July 2020 and 2021. Burt attributed these fluctuations primarily to weather-related shifts, moving from a prolonged drought to a period of heavy rainfall, which has impacted the availability and supply of cattle.

Furthermore, Burt noted a strategic shift within the sector, with ranchers retaining more breeding stock to repopulate herds after a period of high processing that reduced the overall cattle population. This, combined with record-high cattle prices, presents a challenge for the industry as it aims to compete in the market, particularly with neighbors like Brazil. The focus is now on improving efficiency and herd management to ensure future supply and competitiveness.

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