Meat prices keep rising as beef costs climb nearly 15% in USA
Grocery inflation remains steady, but beef and veal prices continue to surge despite government efforts to stabilize the market.
USA – Food prices in the United States continued their uneven climb in September, with beef and veal costs jumping nearly 15%, extending a steady rise that began earlier in the year.
According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall food-at-home prices increased 2.7% compared with September 2024, matching August’s pace.
However, the stability in overall grocery inflation masked sharp increases in key food categories, particularly meat.
Prices for meat overall were up 8.5% year over year, maintaining an upward trajectory since June.
Within that category, beef and veal prices saw the most significant increases, surging 14.7% in September after a 13.9% rise in August.
Uncooked beef roasts recorded the steepest jump, climbing 18.4%, while beef steaks rose 16.6%, and ground beef prices advanced 12.9%.
The consistent escalation has raised concerns among consumers and retailers who have seen red meat prices inch higher every month since May.
In response to the persistent price hikes, the Trump administration announced plans to increase beef imports from Argentina in a bid to improve supply.
Critics of the move argue that relying on foreign imports could hurt U.S. cattle producers and undermine the domestic beef industry.
Pork prices increased modestly by less than 2% in September, though bacon and related products saw a 5.9% rise, slightly lower than the 7.2% growth recorded in August.
Elsewhere in the grocery aisle, prices for fruits and vegetables also edged up.
Apples rose 5.3%, bananas increased 6.9%, and lettuce climbed 4.2%, reflecting continued strain across fresh produce categories.
Seafood followed a mixed trend. Frozen fish and seafood prices climbed 6.6% on a yearly basis, while shelf-stable seafood products dropped 3%, bringing overall fish and seafood costs up by 2.1% for the month.
Meanwhile, egg prices slipped 1.3% in September, reversing an 11% annual gain from August. Butter and margarine prices also declined 2%, while peanut butter costs dipped 1.2%.
The fluctuations in food costs come amid political and economic uncertainty.
The ongoing federal government shutdown has put millions of Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at risk of missing payments in November.
Federal employees affected by the shutdown have also turned to food banks for help, highlighting how the current economic conditions are straining both consumers and support systems.
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