China leads as the top destination for Brazilian beef exports

Brazil has set a new record for beef exports, with September 2025 marking the highest monthly export volume in the country's history. The Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec) reported that 352,000 tons of beef were exported, a significant increase from both the previous month and the same month last year.

Record-Breaking Month

The export figures for September represent a 31.1% increase compared to September 2024 and a 17.6% rise from August 2025. This surge occurred despite the imposition of additional tariffs by the United States in August, which raised the cost of Brazilian beef imports into the US market. Nonetheless, Brazil's total export volume reached an unprecedented level, with China remaining the largest importer.

Market Dynamics

China imported 190,500 tons of Brazilian beef in September, accounting for more than half of the total exports and generating over $1 billion in revenue. Other significant markets included the European Union, Mexico, the United States, and the Philippines. The majority of exports were fresh meat, comprising 89.37% of the total, followed by offal, processed products, fat, tripe, and salted meat.

Year-to-Date Performance

From January to September 2025, Brazil exported 2.44 million tons of beef, marking a 16% increase over the same period in 2024. Revenue for this period reached $12.4 billion, underscoring Brazil's leadership in the global beef export market. China has been the primary destination, with the United States, Mexico, Chile, and Russia also showing significant growth in imports.

Strategic Outlook

Despite the challenges posed by US tariffs, Brazil has maintained its export momentum, supported by its competitive pricing and product quality. Roberto Perosa, president of Abiec, highlighted the importance of diversifying export destinations and working with the government to open new markets. He noted that while exports are growing, Brazil's domestic market remains robust, consuming about 70% of its beef production.

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