Beef exports hit record high in month before tariff hike

In the month before the US tariff hike took effect, Brazilian beef exports broke a record. In July, 313,682 tons were shipped, an increase of 15.6% compared to June and 17.2% compared to July 2024 (267,885 tons). In value terms, beef sales generated US$1.67 billion.

The data comes from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC) and was compiled by the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec), which brings together 47 companies responsible for 98% of beef exported by Brazil.

China comfortably led purchases in the month, with 160.6 thousand tonnes (51.2% of the total), which totaled US$ 881.9 million, an increase of 18.1% over June and 16.7% compared to July 2024. The United States was in second place, with 18.2 thousand tonnes (US$ 119.9 million), followed by Mexico (15.6 thousand tonnes; US$ 88.3 million), Russia (13.8 thousand tonnes; US$ 61.5 million) and the European Union (11.8 thousand tonnes; US$ 99.4 million).

According to Abiec, beef in nature accounted for 88,27% of shipments, totaling 276.9 thousand tons, an increase of 14.8% over June and 16.7% over July 2024. Exports of offal accounted for 6,23% of the total, and sales of processed products, 3,27%. These two categories registered significant growth compared to the previous month.

Year to date

From January to July, Brazil exported 1.78 million tons of beef, generating US$1.5 billion in revenue. This represents an increase of US$14.11 million in volume and US$30.21 million in value compared to the same period in 2024.

China continues to lead the year, with 801.8 thousand tons (44.9% of the total) and US$ 4.10 billion, followed by the United States (199.7 thousand tons; US$ 1.16 billion), Chile (69.3 thousand tons; US$ 373.3 million), Mexico (67.7 thousand tons; US$ 364.6 million) and Russia (60 thousand tons; US$ 252.6 million).

Regarding year-to-date growth, the largest variations in volume were recorded in markets such as Mexico (+217.6%), the European Union (+109.7%) and Canada (+101.1%). Angola (+49.3%), Georgia (+10.8%) and Saudi Arabia (+26.9%) also recorded significant increases.

Diversification

In 2025, according to Abiec, Brazil sold beef to approximately 160 markets, consolidating its position as the world's largest exporter. In addition to traditional destinations, there was a significant increase in its presence in strategic markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.

In Abiec's assessment, the results reinforce the competitiveness of Brazilian beef and the integrated work of the production chain to meet different consumer profiles worldwide. Although beef was included in the 50% tariff imposed by the Donald Trump administration, the entity estimates that the outlook will remain positive in the second half of the year, with expectations of continued demand and new commercial opportunities.