Commodity markets remain highly segmented entering the heart of summer. Beef continues to experience historic supply tightness due to reduced slaughter levels and the smallest cattle herd in decades, while chicken production remains healthy enough to prevent broad-based poultry inflation. Pork markets continue to benefit from seasonal grilling demand, though some cuts have begun to stabilize after strong spring rallies. Freight and fuel costs remain elevated as global shipping markets continue to navigate geopolitical uncertainty and disrupted trade lanes. 

Mahi Mahi 

Taiwan’s primary fishing season continues to develop, with buyers closely monitoring catch volumes. Portion’s availability remains adequate, but pricing continues to hold firm due to steady foodservice demand. 

Snow Crab 

Canadian production continues moving through the peak harvest window. Gulf of St. Lawrence quota is nearly complete. Newfoundland’s quota is currently about 60% completed.  Gulf product remains available. While Newfoundland, mainly the 5/8’s, is in strong demand.   

White Shrimp 

Global supply remains highly diversified across Asia and Latin America. Shrimp continues to be one of the most reliable proteins from both pricing and availability standpoint heading into the second half of the year. 

Atlantic Salmon 

Supply remains constrained by biological and regulatory limitations in key producing regions. Prices remain elevated compared to historical averages, though markets have become somewhat more stable than earlier in the spring. 

Lobster 

Canadian and New England fisheries continue to add seasonal volume. Pricing remains volatile week-to-week but overall availability continues improving as summer progresses. 

Tuna 

Fuel Cost has prevented many boats from going out.  Fishermen have had to negotiate prices with the processors to accommodate for the sudden spike in fuel. Expect price increases with incoming supply. 

Cod & Whitefish 

North Atlantic whitefish remains one of the tightest seafood categories. Reduced cod quotas continue to constrain supply and support elevated pricing throughout the global whitefish complex. 

Scallops 

Scallops remain one of the more predictable premium seafood categories. Mid-Atlantic rotational openings continue to support stable supply and relatively steady pricing.

Historic Tightness Continues 

The beef complex remains under significant pressure from reduced cattle availability. Additionally, plant closures and work stoppages have further diminished processing capacity. USDA lowered its 2026 beef production forecast again in June due to slower-than-expected slaughter levels. The U.S. cattle herd remains near its smallest level in more than seventy years. 

Additional Industry Risk 

The recent domestic detections of New World Screwworm cases in parts of Texas and New Mexico have prompted aggressive USDA containment, quarantine, and sterile fly release protocols. While there is zero food safety threat to the commercial meat supply, the implementation of localized animal movement controls and heightened biosecurity checks adds immediate operational complexity and compliance costs for a ranching sector already navigating historic cattle shortages. 

Ribeye 

Demand remains extremely strong heading into peak grilling season. Premium middle meats continue to command elevated pricing. Rib prices are expected to weaken post Fourth of July before strengthening ahead of the holiday rib season.  

Striploin 

Striploins remain one of the strongest-performing beef cuts, supported by foodservice and retail grilling demand. However, prices are expected to soften after the Fourth of July holiday as retailers shift to seasonal fall beef cuts. 

Chuck Rolls 

Chuck markets remain firm as consumers continue shifting toward value-oriented beef options. 

Ground Beef 

Ground beef remains one of the most inflationary beef categories. Limited slaughter volumes continue to constrain lean trim availability while summer burger demand remains robust. 

Flank & Skirt Steaks 

Demand for grilling cuts remains strong. Markets continue to exhibit volatility but remain elevated compared to year-ago levels. 

Balanced Supply Environment 

Unlike beef, poultry production continues expanding. USDA and industry reporting indicate broiler production remains above year-ago levels, helping maintain overall market balance. 

Boneless Skinless Thighs 

Dark meat demand remains healthy, particularly through export channels. Pricing remains firm. 

Breast Meat 

Breast meat pricing has largely stabilized following spring declines. Ample production continues limiting upside pressure. 

Wings 

Wing markets have stabilized after earlier weakness. Promotional activity remains moderate, with only limited upside risk currently visible. 

Tenders 

Unlike May, tender markets have softened somewhat. USDA and foodservice reporting indicate improved availability and more competitive pricing on jumbo tenders. 

 Turkey 

Turkey remains the tightest poultry protein. Lingering availability constraints from past Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) disruptions and prolonged flock repopulation cycles continue supporting elevated pricing across the category.

Pork remains one of the best-value proteins available to operators despite ongoing seasonal demand support. 

Butts 

Bone-in butts remain firm, supported by barbecue and smoking demand. USDA data continues to show strength in the category. 

Ribs 

Rib markets remain seasonally strong, though much of the spring rally has already occurred. 

Bellies / Bacon 

The belly market remains volatile. While retail bacon demand remains supportive, recent market activity suggests pricing may remain range-bound in the near term rather than aggressively higher. 

Hams 

Strong export demand and deli processing continue supporting ham values. 

Loins 

Loin markets remain mixed. Retail promotional activity continues to drive week-to-week variability. 

Trimmings 

Trimming values remain sensitive to ground protein demand and substitution effects from expensive beef.

Dairy 

Milk production expectations have improved compared to earlier forecasts. USDA recently increased its milk production outlook, helping moderate concerns around broader dairy supply. Markets remain mixed by product category, with cheese generally more stable than butter. 

Produce 

Domestic growing regions continue their seasonal transition, shifting full production volumes into the Salinas Valley and broader California regions. While overall vegetable supplies are improving and relieving category pressures, lettuce markets remain highly sensitive to temporary quality and transition-related weather issues. Tomato pricing has shown steady improvement compared to volatile spring levels. 

Cooking Oils 

Soybean oil remains adequately supplied. Palm oil markets continue to monitor Southeast Asian shipping conditions and export logistics. 

Plastics & Packaging 

Resin markets remain influenced by energy costs and transportation expenses. Buyers should continue expecting firm packaging costs throughout the summer. 

Nitrile Gloves 

Continued inflationary pressures throughout the global supply chain have significantly increased the cost of manufacturing and distributing disposable glove products.   Vinyl, Poly, and Nitrile gloves will see an additional increase of 5%, 10%, and 20% respectively. 

Freight costs remain elevated as global shipping markets continue adjusting to disruptions affecting key trade routes, including traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have moderated from peak levels but remain above pre-disruption baselines, keeping fuel surcharges active across many imported goods.