Chicken/CEPEA: Paulista Poultry Farmer's Purchasing Power Continues to Decline
According to research from the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (CEPEA) at the University of São Paulo, Paulista poultry farmers' purchasing power has declined for the fourth consecutive month in February due to falling live chicken prices. Live chicken prices have reached their lowest real level since May 2024, while corn and soybean meal prices remained relatively stable or saw slight increases, further squeezing profit margins.
According to researchers from the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (CEPEA) at the University of São Paulo, the purchasing power of Paulista poultry farmers has continued to decline for the fourth consecutive month in February, relative to corn and soybean meal prices, due to the persistent drop in live chicken prices.
Data indicates that this month (up to February 25), live chicken prices have fallen to their lowest real level since May 2024 (deflated by the IGP-DI of January 2026). Concurrently, average corn prices have remained largely stable, while soybean meal prices have shown a slight increase, exacerbating cost pressures on producers.
CEPEA figures show that in São Paulo state, the average price for live chicken in February was R$5.04/kg, marking a 2.1% decrease compared to January. Researchers highlight that despite record-breaking Brazilian protein exports, this strong export pace has not effectively supported domestic live chicken prices, thereby squeezing the profit margins for poultry farmers.