EN 
PT_BR 
Meat exports from Paraná totaled US$1.22 billion in the first three months of this year, exceeding by US$5.41 billion the result recorded in the same period of 2025, when sales reached US$1.16 billion. These figures, which do not include processed meats, were made available by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), and organized by the Paraná Institute for Economic and Social Development (Ipardes).
Photo: Claudio Neves/Ports of Paraná
With exports of US$1.04 billion, chicken meat accounted for 85% of the segment's exports, while pork was responsible for 1% of the total, with sales to the international market of around US$132 million. In the case of beef, US$48 million was exported by Paraná's meatpacking plants in the first quarter of 2026, which corresponded to 4% of the total meat complex.
China is the largest importer of chicken meat produced in Paraná, acquiring US$176 million from January to March 2026. Next are the United Arab Emirates and Japan, with acquisitions of US$100 million and US$98 million, respectively. Regarding pork, the largest markets are the Philippines, Uruguay, and Hong Kong, which purchased US$30 million, US$22 million, and US$21 million, respectively, in the first three months of the current fiscal year.
Regarding beef, the main destinations were China, the United States, and Chile, with purchases totaling US$23 million, US$7 million, and US$5 million, respectively.
Photo: Jonathan Campos
According to Jorge Callado, CEO of Ipardes, Paraná's competitiveness in supplying animal protein is directly related to the unique characteristics of its local production structure, with a strong presence of skilled family farmers, high integration with agro-industrial complexes, and a significant supply of grains used in animal feed. "These conditions explain Paraná's status as an important supplier of animal protein to national and global markets," he states.
Trade balance
Paraná exported US$5.2 billion in the first quarter of the year. The leading products were fresh chicken meat, soybeans, soybean meal, paper, soybean oil, cellulose, cereals, fresh pork, earthmoving machinery, and oils and fuels.
The main buyers during the period were China (US$1.1 billion), Argentina (US$179 million), Mexico (US$168 million), India (US$167 million) and the United States.
Photo: Shutterstock
United States (US$ 166 million). The main increase was in trade with Japan, a jump of 124% (from US$ 63.5 million in the first quarter of 2015 to US$ 142.8 million in the first quarter of 2026).
Exports reached US$2.06 billion in March alone, the best result of the year for Paraná, which is one of Brazil's top 10 exporters. The trade balance through March is favorable at US$530 million, the difference between US$5.2 billion in sales and US$4.7 billion in purchases.
