Argentina cattle slaughter hits 47-year August low; consumption drops 9.5%, exports up 6.5%

Argentina's cattle slaughter in August 2026 fell 12.9% year-on-year to 1.011 million head, the worst August in 47 years, while per capita beef consumption dropped 9.5% to 46 kg. Exports rose 6.5% in the first eight months, indicating a structural shift from domestic consumption to export-oriented production amid economic headwinds.