Brazil increases beef shipments in May, accumulating more than 1.3 million tons exported this year
Brazilian beef exports reached 297,000 tons in May 2026, a volume 17.8% higher than that recorded in the same month last year, when 252,000 tons were shipped. Compared to April, the growth was 2.9%, maintaining the pace of Brazilian shipments to the international market.
Revenue from exports in May totaled US$1.83 billion, a 6.5% increase compared to the previous month, according to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), compiled by the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC).
The average price of exported beef in May reached US$6,163 per ton, 3.5% higher than that recorded in April of this year.
China maintained its leading position among destinations for Brazilian beef during the period, with purchases of 157,600 tons and revenue of US$1.06 billion. Compared to May 2025, the volume shipped to the Asian country increased by 39.6%. The Chinese market accounted for 53.1% of all beef exported by Brazil in the month. The increase in exports to China occurs in a context of anticipation of shipments by the market due to the entry into force of the safeguard measures announced by the country for beef imports.
The United States remained the second largest buyer of Brazilian protein, with 28,800 tons imported and revenue of US$195.6 million. Compared to May of last year, shipments to the US market grew by 5.1%. Following are Russia, with 13,700 tons and US$66.5 million, Chile, with 8,500 tons and US$52.7 million, and the European Union, with 8,300 tons and US$77.5 million in purchases during the month.
In addition to representing 88.2% of the volume shipped, fresh beef accounted for 93.1% of the revenue obtained from Brazilian exports in the month, totaling US$ 1.7 billion.
Between January and May 2026, Brazil exported 1.388 million tons of beef, a 15.3% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, when shipments totaled 1.204 million tons. Accumulated revenue reached US$7.88 billion, while the average export price was US$5,677 per ton, compared to US$4,824 per ton in the first five months of 2025.
China remained the main destination for Brazilian beef in the year to date, with 631,900 tons purchased and revenue of US$3.78 billion. The country accounted for 45.5% of Brazilian shipments and 48% of the revenue generated by the sector during the period. Compared to the first five months of 2025, Chinese purchases registered an increase of 27.8% in tons shipped.
The United States ranks second, with 178,600 tons shipped and revenue of US$1.16 billion, representing 12.9% of Brazil's total exports during the period. Compared to the first five months of 2025, sales to the US market grew by 14.8% in volume shipped.
Chile follows, with 58,000 tons imported and US$339.2 million in purchases, registering a 16.0% expansion in the quantity acquired compared to the same period last year. Russia totaled 54,100 tons and US$245.2 million, with a 33.7% increase in shipments. The European Union registered imports of 43,000 tons and revenue of US$377.2 million, a 24% increase in imported volume compared to the first five months of 2025.
"The results observed throughout the year reflect the presence of Brazilian beef in more than 177 international destinations. Market diversification continues to be one of the factors contributing to the stability and competitiveness of the sector's exports," according to ABIEC.
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