BUENOS AIRES — Annual per capita beef consumption in Argentina fell to 44.5 kilograms as of April 2026, the lowest level since 2006, according to the Agricultural Foundation for Argentina's Development. The figure was down from 49.5 kilograms in April 2025 and from 63.4 kilograms in 2006.

Beef prices in Argentina rose more than 60% over the past year, according to the Argentine Beef Promotion Institute. Beef in Buenos Aires reached an average of 18,500 pesos per kilogram in May, while chicken cost an average of 4,900 pesos per kilogram and pork ribs around 8,900 pesos per kilogram.

"People are switching to cheaper proteins. They're eating pork, they're eating chicken," said butcher shop owner Jorge García.

Argentina's beef production dropped by more than 10% due to floods and droughts, according to CICCRA. Beef exports rose 54% in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, totaling nearly 200,000 tons worth more than $1 billion, the government said. The U.S. expanded Argentina's tariff-free beef quota during American cattle shortages.

In July 2025, the government reduced export taxes on beef and poultry and removed production quotas on the two products. Agricultural consultant Iván Ordóñez said the previous pricing environment had distorted consumption patterns.

"Previously, all meats had similar prices, which encouraged high beef consumption that did not reflect its real production costs," Ordóñez said.

Javier Milei assumed the office of Argentina's president in December 2023, when annual inflation stood at 211%. Milei promised to eliminate what he called "the cancer of inflation" through an adjustment plan that included cuts equivalent to nearly one-third of public spending. The government reversed its fiscal deficit and achieved a budget surplus.

Milei's administration eliminated 13 ministries, laid off about 30,000 public employees, halted public works projects, reduced funding for education, healthcare and science, and cut subsidies for electricity, gas, water and transportation. Wages for registered workers in Argentina increased an average of 1.8% in February, while monthly inflation was 2.9% that same month.

Retiree Alberto Brajin said the price increases had changed his shopping habits. "Before, I had the freedom to buy what I wanted," he said. "I have to trade down to cheaper proteins such as chicken."

"You have to adapt. We can't just sit around crying. We have to work," García said.