Live Cattle Futures Gain on Tariff Delay Announcement

Live cattle futures surged late Wednesday, propelled by a delay in tariffs. Contracts rose by $3.75 to $4.75. Notably, there were no deliveries for April live cattle on that day. In cash markets, activity remained minimal, with light trade occurring at $208. The Central Stockyards Fed Cattle Exchange reported no sales from the 1,450 head offered, with bids ranging from $200 to $206.50.

Feeder cattle futures also demonstrated strength late Wednesday, closing $3.32 to $6.47 higher. On Tuesday, the CME Feeder Cattle Index increased by 8 cents, with an average price of $290.61.

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During the Wednesday session, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs affecting specific countries, although tariffs on China were raised to 125% for all imports. The existing 10% blanket tariff will remain in place for other nations.

USDA National Wholesale Boxed Beef prices fell on Wednesday afternoon. The spread between Choice and Select prices widened to $17.25. Choice boxes decreased by 24 cents to $337.89 per hundredweight, while Select boxes dropped by $1.45 to $320.61. The USDA estimated Wednesday’s federally inspected cattle slaughter at 123,000 head, bringing the weekly total to 349,000 head. This figure is 2,000 head lower than the previous week and down 7,056 head compared to the same week last year.

Apr 25 Live Cattle closed at $202.800, up $3.700.

Jun 25 Live Cattle closed at $198.375, up $4.750.

Aug 25 Live Cattle closed at $195.000, up $4.550.

Apr 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $283.750, up $3.325.

May 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $278.200, up $6.475.

Aug 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $283.250, up $5.650.

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

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