Argentina’s beef output dips as supply tightens - USDA FAS Lower slaughter rates, plant fire weigh on 2025 outlook18 April 2025 18 April 2025 1 minute read 1 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media South AmericaArgentina’s beef production is forecast at 3.08 million tons carcass weight equivalent (CWE) in 2025, a 3% decline from last year, according to the USDA’s latest Livestock and Products Semi-annual report from Buenos Aires​. Last year’s projections underestimated slaughter due to steady export demand and drought, which prompted producers to market cattle earlier than planned. But 2025 is expected to be more challenging. Further complicating matters, one of Argentina’s largest and most advanced meat packing plants was severely damaged by a fire in mid-February. With no timeline yet for a return to full operations, its export performance is expected to suffer in the coming months​.