EN 
PT_BR 
Brazilian beef exports continue at a record pace in 2026. Between January and May, the country shipped 1.36 million tons of the protein, the highest volume ever recorded for the period in the historical series of the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex), which began in 1997.
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The result represents growth of 14.4% compared to the first five months of 2025 and 26.6% compared to the same period in 2024.
In addition to the increase in shipments, revenue from foreign sales also reached a new record. Year-to-date revenue reached R$40.2 billion, a figure 20.21% higher than the R$33.4 billion recorded between January and May of last year.
According to researchers at the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea), the combination of a strong dollar and higher prices for exported beef helped boost the sector's performance. Year-to-date, the average price paid per ton exported was close to R$ 29,500.
May registers the highest revenue of the year.
Considering only the month of May, Brazil exported 290,400 tons of beef, a volume 2.51 times higher than the previous year.
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compared to the figure recorded in April and 17.2% above that observed in the same month of 2025.
Revenue followed the growth in shipments. Turnover reached R$9.04 billion in the month, an increase of R$5.31 billion compared to April and R$28.11 billion year-on-year. This is the highest monthly value recorded by the sector in 2026 so far.
The average price per ton exported was R$ 31,135.21 in May, a level above the average observed for the year to date.
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The foreign market is gaining even more importance.
According to Cepea's assessment, the export performance reinforces the growing importance of the international market for Brazilian livestock farming.
This scenario occurs during a transition period between the harvest and off-season, a time marked by an increase in the supply of animals ready for slaughter, weaker domestic consumption, and greater competition from other proteins in the domestic market.
With strong external demand and international prices sustained at historically high levels, exports continue to play a decisive role in absorbing Brazilian production and generating revenue for the livestock sector.
