Brazil: Beef exports up 49% in August thanks to Chinese demand

The data was provided by the Brazilian Meat Producers Association (Abrafrigo) based on information from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex) of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC). The study covers fresh meat , processed meat, edible offal, and by-products such as beef fat.

Reduction of supplies to the United States

Despite overall positive trends, sales of fresh and processed beef in the US fell by 46% in August amid additional tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration. As a result, the country lost its position as the second-largest market for Brazilian beef.

However, when considering all elements of the supply chain, including beef tallow, the United States remains the second-largest buyer. In August, exports to the North American market amounted to $136.4 million.

Balance from January to August

In 2025, beef exports amounted to US$10.8 billion, an increase of 34% compared to the same period in 2024. The shipment volume amounted to 2.41 million tons, an increase of 19%.

China remains the main consumer of Brazilian protein. From January to August, the country's purchases reached $4.96 billion, a 41.2% increase over the 2024 target. Shipments increased from 796,700 tons last year to 948,400 tons in 2025.

The United States follows, purchasing 557,100 tons in the first eight months of the year. This represents a 66.5% increase in volume and a 73.2% increase in revenue, totaling $1.6 billion.

Chile, Mexico, and Russia round out the list of the largest importers. Mexico saw a nearly 200% increase in shipments, reaching 81,000 tons from January to August. A total of 132 countries increased their purchases of Brazilian beef during this period, while 42 countries decreased them.