Prices in the national pork sector were weak throughout March, according to monitoring by Cepa/Esalq-USP. This scenario was mainly linked to low demand, intensified by the Lenten period. Furthermore, speculation regarding the current geopolitical scenario also influenced the national market during the month, as it limited liquidity – fluctuations in the dollar and the strong appreciation of oil generated uncertainty and kept some agents away from trading. :: Prices and exports In March, Brazilian pork shipments reached a record high in the historical series of the Secex (Foreign Trade Secretariat). Brazil exported 152,200 tons of the protein, a volume 25.9% higher than that recorded in February 2026 and 32.7% above that verified in March 2025. The volume was 1.4% higher than the previous record, which had been observed in September 2025. :: Exchange rate and inputs The low liquidity in the live pig market and the increase in corn prices in March resulted in a decrease in the purchasing power of São Paulo pig farmers in relation to the cereal. This is the sixth consecutive monthly drop. In contrast, the exchange rate improved in relation to soybean meal, reflecting the devaluation of the derivative in the same period. :: Competing meats Pork prices continued to fall in March, while beef prices increased, a scenario that led the competitiveness of pork carcasses against beef protein to the highest level since April 2022, in real terms (IPCA February/26).
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.