Brazil’s Total Beef Exports Climb 20% in Revenue and 8% in Volume in May

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Brazil’s beef export industry continues to post strong performance, with total exports — including fresh meat, processed products, and edible offal — reaching US$ 1.297 billion in revenue in May 2025, representing a 19.6% increase compared to the US$ 1.085 billion registered in May 2024. The figures, released by the Brazilian Association of Meatpackers (ABRAFRIGO) and compiled from data provided by Secex, part of Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), indicate continued growth in both value and volume.

In terms of volume, exports grew 8% year-on-year, rising from 273,949 tons in May 2024 to 296,090 tons in May 2025. The higher revenue growth, surpassing volume growth, is largely attributed to a notable rise in international beef prices. The average export price per ton climbed from US$ 3,960 to US$ 4,381 over the same period, reflecting the combined impact of stronger global demand and a domestic appreciation in beef cattle prices.

In the cumulative results for the first five months of 2025, Brazilian beef exports reached US$ 5.941 billion, up 22.5% compared to US$ 4.849 billion during the same period in 2024. Total volume exported also saw solid growth, increasing 12.6% year-on-year from 1,197,901 tons to 1,348,801 tons.

Average export prices for the January–May period rose from US$ 4,048 in 2024 to US$ 4,405 in 2025, reinforcing the positive price trend.

China Remains Top Buyer Despite Slight Decline in Market Share

China maintained its position as the largest buyer of Brazilian beef, importing 497,525 tons between January and May 2025 — a 4.5% increase from the 476,267 tons recorded in the same period last year. Revenue generated from Chinese imports also rose 16.6%, from US$ 2.114 billion in 2024 to US$ 2.465 billion in 2025.

The average export price to China experienced a significant increase, going from US$ 4,440 per ton in 2024 to US$ 4,955 per ton in 2025. Despite this growth, China's share of Brazil’s total beef export revenue declined slightly from 43.6% to 41.5%, reflecting diversification in Brazil’s export destinations.

United States Sees Sharp Uptick in Imports

The United States emerged as a major growth driver, with imports surging 78.7% from 180,115 tons in 2024 to 321,820 tons in 2025 (January–May). The revenue generated more than doubled, increasing 112.4% from US$ 509.9 million to US$ 1.082 billion.

This significant rise was buoyed by improved average prices, which rose from US$ 2,830 per ton in 2024 to US$ 3,365 in 2025. Consequently, the US share in total export revenue increased from 10.5% to 18.2%, solidifying its position as a key market for Brazilian beef.

Chile and Mexico Round Out Top Four Markets

Chile ranked as the third largest importer, increasing its purchases by 28.4%, from 38,434 tons in 2024 to 49,330 tons in 2025. Revenue rose from US$ 182 million to US$ 263.1 million, a 44.6% increase, supported by a higher average price — up from US$ 4,740 to US$ 5,330 per ton.

Mexico demonstrated remarkable growth, rising from 11th to 4th place among Brazil's beef export destinations. Imports increased from 14,272 tons in 2024 to 35,716 tons in 2025, with corresponding revenue climbing 182%, from US$ 66.2 million to US$ 186.7 million.

A total of 120 countries increased their beef imports from Brazil in the first five months of 2025, while 44 countries reduced their purchases. The data underscores both Brazil’s continued competitiveness in global beef markets and its ability to respond to diversified demand from major global economies.

With robust performance in volume and especially in export value, Brazil continues to solidify its role as a leading global beef exporter, benefiting from favorable international prices and increased demand across multiple key markets.