Brazil’s beef exports hit record in July
In July, the month before the US tariffs came into force, Brazilian beef exports hit a record high – 313,682 tons were shipped, up 15.6 percent on June and 17.2 percent compared to July 2024 (267,885 tons). The sales brought in USD 1.67 billion.
The data come from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, compiled by the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporters (ABIEC), comprising 47 companies adding up to 98 percent of the beef exported by Brazil.
China was the clear leader in purchases in the month, with 160,600 tons (51.2 percent of the total), which totaled USD 881.9 million, up 18.1 percent on June and 16.7 percent on July 2024. The US came in second, with 18,200 tons (USD 119.9 million).
Fresh beef accounted for 88.27 percent of shipments, with 276,900 tons, up 14.8 percent on June and 16.7 percent on July 2024. The export of offal amounted to 6.23 percent of the total, and the sale of processed products 3.27 percent. These two recorded significant growth compared to the previous month.
Year to date
From January to July, Brazil exported 1.78 million tons of beef, generating USD 8.9 billion in revenue. The figure represents a surge of 14.1 percent in volume and 30.2 percent in value compared to the same time span in 2024. China continues to lead the way, with 801,800 tons (44.9 percent of the total) and USD 4.10 billion, followed by the US (199,700 tons, USD 1.16 billion).
A diverse landscape
In 2025, according to the association, Brazil sold beef to approximately 160 markets, consolidating its position as the world’s largest exporter. In addition to the traditional destinations, a marked expansion was observed in the presence of strategic markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.
In the association’s view, the results reinforce the competitiveness of Brazilian beef and the integrated work of the production chain to meet different consumption profiles worldwide. Despite the fact that beef has been included in the 50-percent tariff imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration, ABIEC estimates that the scenario should continue to be positive in the second half of the year, with demand likely to remain strong, plus new commercial opportunities expected.
