Brazilian pork exports break record in June

Brazilian pork exports reached a record volume in June 2025, totaling 134,623 tons (combining fresh and processed products). This is the highest volume ever recorded for a single month, accounting for a 29.49% increase over the 103,963 tons exported in the same period in 2024. This impressive performance was crucial in supporting prices throughout the pork supply chain in the first half of the year, while also contributing to a reduction in the domestic market supply.

The average price per ton exported in June was USD 2,507.66, the highest value of the semester. In reals, this corresponds to BRL 13,908.61, a slight decrease of 1% compared to May (BRL 14,055.04), reflecting the devaluation of the dollar, which fell from an average of BRL 5.6668 in May to BRL 5.5464 in June. Total export revenue for the month was USD 337.59 mln.

The Philippines remains the main destination for Brazilian pork, with increases in both volume and price. The country continues to face outbreaks of African swine fever, which limits local production and increases demand for imports. This situation is expected to continue in 2025 and possibly next year.

China has maintained a measured pace of purchases, a trend that should persist in the short term. Despite stagnant domestic production, the country can meet its demand satisfactorily. The Chinese economy still faces uncertainty, which affects household consumption. The government has adopted expansionary measures, such as interest rate cuts and credit incentives, but the effects are expected to be gradual. 15,477 tons were exported to China in June, accounting for an 11.50% share, paying an average of USD 2,279.10 per ton.

The third-largest importer in June was Japan, with 12,878 tons, accounting for an 11.50% share. The biggest highlight about Japan is the price paid per ton, which averaged USD 3,450.31, by far the best price among the main importers of Brazilian products. Other highlights for the month were Chile, with 11,316 tons, and Singapore, with 9,038 tons.

In the first half of 2025, Brazil exported 696,393 tons, up 18.60% from the 587,169 tons in the same period in 2024. Revenue increased 31.99%, from USD 1.276 bln to USD 1.684 bln.

Brazilian exports are expected to continue at a strong pace in the coming few months, driven by price competitiveness and growing Asian demand. Brazil has been strengthening trade relations with countries such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Singapore.

The tariffs that the United States is imposing around the world are also points that should be closely monitored and could open up opportunities for Brazil in the event of retaliation when it comes to pork. It is worth noting that Brazil and the United States are competitors in the global pork market. The United States is imposing 25% tariffs starting August 1st on products from Japan and South Korea, major importers.

Last Wednesday (10), US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on all Brazilian products, which is set to come into effect on August 1st. For pork, the impact should be limited, considering that, in addition to competitors, Americans buy small volumes of Brazilian pork. In the first half of this year, 7,391 tons of Brazilian pork were exported to the United States, corresponding to 1.06% of Brazil’s sales in the period. For chicken, the impact should be limited. Cattle farming is likely to suffer greater consequences as a result. The instabilities caused by the exchange rate may end up stimulating exports of chicken and pork from Brazil. The country continues to seek new markets to increase diversification, with the model adopted by the pig industry serving as an example.

Tags: pork, price, Brazil, demand, The Philippines, China, exports