Increased exports are supporting the beef market in Brazil.

Beef exports remain the determining factor in sustaining domestic prices for live cattle.

The volume shipped has been registering records for years, and the scenario is no different at the beginning of 2026, highlighting the competitiveness of Brazilian beef. In February, in just 18 working days, 235,889 thousand tons of fresh beef were shipped, an increase of 23.91 TP4T compared to the volume of February 2025, according to data from Secex.

This is, in fact, the best February on record. The average daily export volume in February was 13,105 thousand tons, 37.61 times higher than that recorded a year ago. China continues to be the main destination for Brazilian meat, receiving almost half of all exported protein.

The United States is the second largest destination for beef. Domestically, according to researchers at Cepea, the current conflict in the Middle East has generated some speculation in the Brazilian market, and although the region is not a major destination for beef, the closure of strategic export channels and the consequent increase in freight and maritime insurance costs have generated concerns, especially among exporters.

Given this, Cepea observes that buyers are already showing more caution and are beginning to evaluate new market strategies. Sellers, in turn, disagree with the prices offered and are choosing to wait for new offers. As a result, the pace of business is slow.