Brazilian beef exports exceed 1.2 million tons through May
Brazilian beef exports continue on a positive trajectory. In May, the country shipped 250.8 thousand tons, a volume 4.3% higher than that recorded in the same month of 2024. In the accumulated period from January to May, shipments totaled 1.2 million tons, an increase of 11.4% compared to the same period last year. This performance has generated, so far, revenue of over US$ 5.8 billion. The data are from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex/MDIC), compiled by the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC).
Fresh beef accounted for 86.9% of the volume exported in the month, followed by offal (7.3%) and processed meat (3.3%), highlighting the growing diversification of Brazil's exports. Among the highlights of May were exports of beef fat, which more than doubled in volume compared to April, in addition to the advances recorded in the categories of tripe and salted products. Despite the strong international performance, approximately 70% of the beef produced in Brazil continues to be destined for domestic consumption, which reinforces the balance between domestic supply and presence in international trade.
China remains the main destination for Brazilian meat, with 112.8 thousand tons shipped in May, which represents 45% of the total exported in the month and a turnover of approximately US$ 585 million. In the accumulated total of the first five months of 2025, the country has already imported more than 505 thousand tons, an increase of 13.4% compared to the same period last year. Next comes the United States, with 27.4 thousand tons in the month (US$ 168.7 million) and 163 thousand tons in the accumulated total for the year, a significant increase of 121%. Mexico, the third largest destination in 2025, shipped 11.3 thousand tons in May and totals 35.6 thousand tons for the year, which represents a jump of 361% compared to the first five months of 2024. Other major markets include Chile (9.8 thousand t), Russia (9.4 thousand t), Egypt (8.3 thousand t), Hong Kong (7.8 thousand t), the European Union (7.4 thousand t), the Philippines (6.3 thousand t) and Saudi Arabia (5 thousand t).
In the year to date, in addition to China, which has already imported more than 500 thousand tons and generated revenue of US$ 2.48 billion, the United States deserves special mention, with 163 thousand tons shipped and US$ 916.5 million in purchases, and Mexico, with 35.6 thousand tons and US$ 186.5 million. Hong Kong, the European Union, Chile, Russia, Egypt, the Philippines and Algeria are also among the main purchasing markets.
"The performance throughout 2025 shows that we are on the right track. The expectation is to grow 12% in both volume and revenue, surpassing the mark of 3.2 million tons exported and reaching US$ 14.4 billion in sales. With the recent declaration by the WHO that recognizes Brazil as free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination, new opportunities that were already on our radar should materialize in the coming months, further expanding the access of Brazilian beef to the most demanding markets in the world", highlighted Roberto Perosa, president of the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries.
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