Brazilian beef and beef by-product exports in April reached a record monthly value for 2026, with revenues of US$1.743 billion and a 28% increase compared to the same month of the previous year. In volume, 319,230 tons were shipped, a 4% increase over the same comparative period. The data, compiled by ABRAFRIGO based on data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex/MDIC), show that the rise in international prices continues to drive the sector's performance at a rate higher than the physical growth of shipments, reflecting the appreciation of the price per arroba of live cattle and currency appreciation. In the first four months of the year, total exports reached US$6.083 billion, growing 31% over the same period of the previous year, while the total volume shipped reached 1.146 million tons (+9%). Fresh beef, which represents 91% of total sector exports, totaled US$5.552 billion between January and April 2026, a result 35% higher than the same period in 2025, while the volume shipped was 952,740 tons (an increase of 15.43%). China further expanded its leadership as the main destination for Brazilian exports. Between January and April, the Chinese imported 461,185 tons, an increase of 19.4% over the results of 2025, while revenues grew 42.9%, reaching US$2.693 billion. The country accounted for 44.3% of all Brazilian export revenue from the sector, compared to 40.6% in 2025. Considering only sales of fresh beef, China's share rose to 48.5% from January to April 2026, compared to 45.85% in the same period of the previous year. It is estimated that, by April 2026, Brazil will have traded the equivalent of approximately 70% of its quota of 1.106 million tons, established due to safeguard measures applied by the Chinese government to imports of the product. This would leave around 330,000 tons to be exported free of the 55% extra-quota tariff, which means something like just over 2 months of Brazilian exports to China, i.e., May and June, if the export trend of recent months continues, as can be seen in the graph below. This has generated doubts and concerns throughout the Brazilian beef production chain.
USA
Sales of fresh beef to the United States, the second-largest export market, grew 14.7% from January to April 2026, compared to the same period of the previous year, totaling US$ 814.57 million. The volume shipped to that market grew 14.24% in the same period, totaling 135,640 tons. Considering the entire basket of beef products and by-products, sales to the United States reached US$ 1.007 billion in the first four months of 2026 (+16.7%). Chile had one of the most consistent expansions among the major markets. Purchases advanced 24.1% in volume and 35% in revenue, totaling US$ 286.1 million. Russia regained relevance, ranking fourth in Brazilian exports, with growth of 46.9% in shipments (40,245 tons) and 61.7% in revenue, reaching US$ 178.4 million. In Europe, the Netherlands stood out, consolidating its 5th position among the largest importers and serving as an important gateway for Brazilian beef into the continent. Exports to the Dutch market skyrocketed by 319.7% in volume (28,883 tons) and 123.5% in revenue, reaching US$148.3 million. The country jumped from seventh to fifth place in the ranking of buyers of Brazilian beef. The Middle East also maintained a positive trajectory. Egypt increased its purchases by 53% in value, to US$130.4 million, while the United Arab Emirates increased spending by 53.5%, reaching US$92 million. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia drew attention for its explosive growth: a 788.9% increase in volume (from 1,687 tons to 15,000 tons) and a 412.5% increase in revenue, reaching US$41 million. In the opposite direction, Algeria registered the largest decline among the main markets. Export revenue fell 59.4%, to US$ 54 million, reducing the country's relevance in the ranking of importers. There were also declines in traditional markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Spain. The Far East maintained its wide lead as the main destination for Brazilian beef protein. Exports to the region totaled US$ 2.86 billion, a 43% increase, driven mainly by Chinese demand. Southeast Asia also gained relevance, with a 33% growth in revenue, while Western Europe advanced 42%, benefiting from the strong expansion of sales to the Netherlands. In total, 112 countries increased their purchases while another 52 reduced their purchases of the Brazilian product.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.