Agribusiness exports fall in August after peak in July

Brazilian agribusiness exports totaled US$15.6 billion in August, according to data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex) compiled by Itaú BBA Agro. The result represents a decrease of 8.31 TQ compared to July, but shows an increase of 1.51 TQ compared to August 2024.

Soybeans were the highlight of the month, with 9.3 million tons shipped, an increase of 16% compared to the same period last year, driven by demand from China, which took 85% of the grain. Despite the increase in volume, the average price fell 4.4%, to US$$ 415.4/t. Soybean oil also gained ground, with a 40% increase in foreign sales.

Photo: Claudio Neves

In the livestock sector, fresh beef shipments reached 269,000 tons, a record for August and 24% higher than in 2024. The average price per ton continued to rise, reaching US$$ 5,600.47, 26% higher year-over-year. Chicken meat volume fell 3.2% compared to the same month last year, with a 12.9% drop in prices, while pork shipments grew 1.5%, with an average price increase of 4.9%.

In the sugar-energy sector, ethanol exports increased 15% in volume, but prices fell 7.5% to US$$ (523.6/m³). VHP sugar saw a 5.4% drop in shipments and a 12% drop in prices, while refined sugar grew 3% in volume, but with a 16% depreciation.

Among the products that registered a sharp decline, green coffee stood out, with a 31% drop in export volume. Despite this, prices soared 47%, reaching US$$ 6,179.7/t.

Sales to the United States were impacted by the recently imposed tariffs. Total exports to the country fell 18.5% compared to August 2024, with agribusiness accounting for only 28% of the total US$2.8 billion. Forestry products, coffee, and beef were among the most affected.