Browse Data and Analysis

Corn and wheat production forecasts remain unchanged in marketing year (MY) 2022/23. Due to unfavorable weather conditions and less planted area, the sorghum production estimate is revised downward from USDA/Official estimate for MY 2021/22.

Paraguayan beef exports in 2023 are forecast to decline to 390,000 tons carcass weight equivalent, the second drop in a row thanks to declining cattle production. The country is suffering from the third consecutive year of La Niña conditions, which leads to dry weather in most regions.

The Uruguayan beef and cattle industry is in very good economic condition. Strong foreign demand and very high export prices are benefiting all parts of the value chain with cow-calf and cattle finishing operations seeing strong, positive returns. 2023 cattle slaughter is projected at 2.56 million head, the third year in a row with high numbers.

Argentine cattle stock, cattle slaughter, beef production, consumption and export volumes are all forecast to remain practically unchanged in 2023. China is expected to continue as the main export destination, potentially accounting for more than 70 percent of the 770,000 tons carcass weight equivalent (CWE) projected exports. Despite strong global beef demand and good prices, current, government imposed, export restrictions are projected to prevent Argentina from shipping larger volumes.

Total Brazilian ethanol production for 2022 is estimated at 31.66 billion liters, an increase of six percent relative to 2021 due to the expected increase in sugarcane production and the steady increase in corn ethanol production.

The retail sector in El Salvador has remained strong and stable, with new outlets opening and new online shopping options. Super Selectos is the largest supermarket chain, followed by Walmart which in January 2022 announced it is considering the sale of its outlet stores in El Salvador. Imports of U.S. consumer-oriented products reached a record-high of $267 million in 2021.

Post forecasts cotton imports from the United States to grow by 10 percent in marketing year (MY) 2022/23. Post forecast for MY 2022/23 production will increase by nearly 19 percent from previous year. Mexico's textile industry continues to respond to strong demand for yarn and fabric, particularly in the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) region, for final product export to the Untied States.

FAS/Canada projects moderate growth in chicken meat production in 2023, following a challenging year in 2022 due to tight supplies of hatching eggs and day-old chicks, and increased avian influenza occurrence.

Post forecasts Mexico’s calf crop at 8.45 million head for 2023. Post forecasts cattle exports for 2023 at 1.2 million head, a slight increase from the 2022 estimate. Post forecasts beef production for 2023 at 2.22 million metric tons (MMT) carcass weight equivalent (CWE), almost a two percent increase from 2022.

Strong domestic demand and technological improvements are projected to support continued growth in domestic poultry production, with calendar year (CY) 2023 chicken meat production forecast higher at 4 million metric tons (MMT).

Post projects 2023 Argentine chicken meat production at 2.38 million metric tons, up very slightly from 2022 levels, while 2023 exports are projected at 190,000 tons, up 4 percent from 2022. Argentine exporters have gained new export opportunities as a result of trade disruptions stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, and these gains are expected to be maintained in the short term.

The synchronization of two Mission Brazil exchange programs, USDA's Cochran Fellowship Program and State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program, will facilitate effective, climate-focused collaboration between American and Brazilian counterparts.