September records the best month for Brazilian beef exports
The result represents the best monthly performance in the historical series that began in 1997, consolidating September as the month with the highest volume ever exported by Brazil. This performance occurred despite the impact of additional tariffs imposed by the United States in August, which increased the cost of Brazilian beef imports to that market. Despite the reduction in shipments to the US, the country maintained its growth trajectory and reached a new all-time record in total exports.
During the month, China remained the main destination, with 190,500 tons (US$1.06 billion), equivalent to more than half of total exports. Next in line are the European Union (15,400 tons; US$132.7 million), Mexico (13,200 tons; US$73.4 million), the United States (9,900 tons; US$72.3 million), and the Philippines (12,700 tons; US$58.7 million).
Most of the month's shipments consisted of fresh meat, which represented 89.37% of the total exported (314 thousand tons). Also shipped were 20.8 thousand tons of offal (5.9%), 9.2 thousand tons of processed products (2.6%), 4.3 thousand tons of fat (1.2%), 3 thousand tons of tripe (0.9%) and 67 tons of salted meat.
2025 cumulative figures confirm growth and international leadership
From January to September 2025, Brazil exported 2.44 million tons of beef, a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2024 (2.10 million tons). Revenue totaled US$12.4 billion, an increase of 35.4%, solidifying the country as the world leader in beef exports.
In all of 2024, Brazil exported 2.89 million tons, generating US$12.8 billion in revenue. The partial result for 2025 is already approaching this level and maintains optimistic projections for the end of the year.
China remains the top destination year-to-date, with 1.15 million tons shipped and US$6.06 billion in revenue, representing 47% of the volume and 49% of the total exported value. Next in line are the United States (218,900 tons; US$1.3 billion), Mexico (94,100 tons; US$513.1 million), Chile (91,700 tons; US$497.8 million), and Russia (85,000 tons; US$364.9 million).
Even with a decline in shipments to the United States in both months due to the tariff hike (9,900 tons in September and 9,300 tons in August), the country remains a key market for Brazilian beef. Despite the measure, Brazil continues to export to the United States, supported by the product's competitiveness. Year-to-date, sales to the United States increased 64.6% in volume and 53.8% in value compared to 2024, reaching 95% of total exports for the entire year (229,000 tons and US$1.35 billion).
In addition to China and the United States, markets such as Mexico (+213%), the European Union (+109%), Russia (+50%) and Chile (+25%) recorded significant expansion in purchases, reflecting the diversification of destinations and the competitiveness of Brazilian beef.
According to the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec), the results reflect the solidity of the sector and Brazil's ability to maintain a constant flow of beef exports, supported by productivity, health and regular supply.
"Brazil continues to consistently expand its international presence, a result of diversifying shipments and working together with the government to seek new qualifications and commercial opportunities," said Roberto Perosa, president of Abiec.
Perosa emphasized that, despite the growth in exports, Brazil remains the main destination for its beef, with approximately 70% of the volume destined for domestic consumption. "This figure demonstrates the strength of our domestic market and the balance between meeting domestic demand and strengthening our presence in key international destinations. Even with the tariffs imposed by the United States, we continue to partner with the government to reestablish this strategic market and advance in opening new export fronts. Abiec congratulates its members for their dedication and quality, which sustain the confidence of Brazilian beef worldwide", he added.
Abiec brings together 47 companies responsible for 98% of the beef exported by Brazil and works to defend, promote and expand the international presence of Brazilian products.
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