Brazilian meat exports skyrocket

Beef and chicken exports from Brazil, the world’s largest supplier of both meat types, may break new records in 2025, two industry groups said after the release of annual trade data.

Their optimism reflects the positive effects of lower grain prices and a weak Brazilian currency, which could continue to bolster meat exports and local companies, including JBS and BRF.

China remained Brazil’s main destination for both beef and chicken exports, according to the trade groups. Beef exports to China alone brought in US$6 billion, the data showed.

Overall, Brazil exported a total of 2.89 million tons of beef last year, up more than 26 per cent compared with the previous year, according to government data compiled by the domestic beef lobby Abiec. Sales totalled $12.8 billion, 22 per cent more than in 2023.

“It was an historic year for the national beef industry, for the livestock sector and for Brazil,” said Abiec president Roberto Perosa.

“Even though it is still early to make a prediction, I believe that 2025 has everything we need to break the record by volume and also by revenue.”

Abiec said the Brazilian government is in talks to open up key markets such as Japan, Vietnam, Turkey and South Korea.