Brazilian beef exports rose 49% in August thanks to demand from China

In August, Brazilian beef exports totaled 359,400 tons, up 19% from the same month in 2024. Revenue reached $1.66 billion, up 49% year-on-year. This represents the second-best result in the industry for 2025.

Data provided by the Brazilian Meat Producers Association (Abrafrigo) based on information from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex) of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services (MDIC). The study covers fresh meat, processed meat, edible offal, and by-products such as beef fat.

Decreased Shipments to the United States

Despite the overall positive trend, sales of fresh and processed beef in the United States fell by 46% in August amid additional tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration. As a result, the country lost its position as the second-largest market for Brazilian beef.

However, when considering all elements of the supply chain, including beef fat, the United States remains the second-largest buyer. In August, exports to the North American market totaled $136.4 million.

Balance from January to August

In 2025, beef exports totaled $10.8 billion, an increase of 34% compared to the same period in 2024. Shipments totaled 2.41 million tons, an increase of 19%.

China remains the main consumer of Brazilian protein. From January to August, the country’s purchases reached $4.96 billion, an increase of 41.2% compared to 2024. Shipments increased from 796,700 tons last year to 948,400 tons in 2025.

The United States follows, purchasing 557,100 tonnes in the first eight months of the year. This represents a 66.5% increase in volume and a 73.2% increase in revenue, totaling $1.6 billion.

Chile, Mexico, and Russia round out the list of the largest importers. Mexico saw a nearly 200% increase in shipments, reaching 81,000 tonnes from January to August. A total of 132 countries increased their purchases of Brazilian beef during this period, while 42 decreased them.

Tags: China, Brazil, Beef cattle