Post forecasts that the cattle herd will grow four percent in 2021 and 2022, while beef production is
forecast to decrease six percent in 2021, reaching 9.5 million tons Carcass Weight Equivalent (CWE),
but increase two percent in 2022. Post forecasts beef consumption for 2021 at 6.93 million tons (CWE),
which is an eight percent decrease from 2020, mainly due to rising beef prices, while consumption
should increase two percent in 2022. Post forecasts an increase of almost two percent in the pig crop in
2022 and a two percent growth in domestic pork consumption. Pork production growth is forecast at
almost five percent in 2021 and 3.5 percent in 2022, reaching 4.47 million tons (CWE), reflecting
continued strong exports to China, and improved domestic demand, and more stable feed costs in the
second semester of 2021 onwards. Pork exports are forecast to increase twelve percent in 2021 and
almost seven percent in 2022 due to high global demand and a devalued Real.
Fonte: USDA