Over the past year, the global price of meat has experienced an explosive increase, setting an all-time high.

The price of beef has increased not only due to supply shortages in countries like Brazil and the United States, but also due to other factors such as the high cost of animal feed, transportation, energy, and labor. Furthermore, high interest rates make financing more expensive for entrepreneurs. Tothova argues that the price has also increased because, in many countries, the market has become concentrated in a small number of large meat processors with significant market power, which limits competition and enhances price-setting opportunities. The economist points out that all of this is happening in an environment of uncertainty about trade policies, such as the implementation of tariffs, sanitary restrictions in certain countries, or modifications to trade agreements.