Beef exports surge 50% in November, and Brazil heads toward a historic record in 2025, says Abrafrigo

Brazilian beef exports recorded a substantial increase in November 2025, rising 50% compared to the same month of the previous year. The sector maintained the positive performance seen throughout the year and is expected to close 2025 with record revenues exceeding US$18 billion, according to data from the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abrafrigo), based on information from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex), linked to the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC).

During the month, Brazil exported 361.8 thousand tonnes of fresh beef, processed beef, and by-products, generating US$1.874 billion — the third-best monthly result of the year. In November 2024, sales totaled US$1.249 billion and 279.2 thousand tonnes.

Annual record expected to exceed US$18 billion in revenues

With the November results and positive prospects for December — driven by the end of tariffs imposed by the United States and strong Chinese demand, in addition to growth in markets such as Mexico, Russia, the European Union, and Chile — Abrafrigo projects a new historic record for Brazilian beef exports in 2025.

From January to November, Brazil has already accumulated US$16.53 billion in revenues (+37.5%) and 3.51 million tonnes exported (+19%), figures that point to a year-end total close to 4 million tonnes shipped.

China increases purchases and remains the leading importer

China remains the main destination for Brazilian beef, accounting for 54% of total exports through November. Sales to the Asian country grew 48% in value and 23.6% in volume, totaling US$8.03 billion and 1.49 million tonnes.

The average export value to the Chinese market rose from US$4,482 per tonne in 2024 to US$5,355 in 2025, an increase of 19.5%. The adjustment reflects higher cattle prices in Brazil, driven by reduced animal supply and changes in the livestock cycle.

Despite the strong performance, the sector is closely monitoring the safeguard investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), which could lead to temporary restrictions on Brazilian imports. A final decision is expected on January 26, 2026.

Check below a historical overview of Brazilian beef exports starting in January 2022. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Brazilian Beef Exports | Jan 2022 to Oct 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

United States expected to resume purchase pace after the tariff removal

Brazilian beef exports to the United States, the second-largest destination for the product, were impacted by additional tariffs applied between August and November 2025.

In November, fresh beef exports fell 58.6% to US$62 million, while shipments of processed beef and tallow declined 48% and 56.8%, respectively.

Even so, cumulative exports to the U.S. market in 2025 reached US$1.889 billion, up 26.6% compared to 2024. Sales are expected to recover from December onward, following the Donald Trump administration’s suspension of the additional tariffs.

European Union increases purchases, but the Mercosur agreement still raises uncertainty

The European Union consolidated its position as the third-largest destination for Brazilian beef, with a 70.9% increase in revenues and a 52% rise in export volume from January to November. The bloc imported 116.3 thousand tonnes, generating US$946.9 million, with an average value of US$8,380 per tonne.

The sector is cautiously awaiting the possible signing of the Mercosur–European Union agreement, expected in January 2026. Safeguard rules and environmental requirements under discussion at the European Commission — such as the EUDR regulation, which bans imports originating from areas deforested after 2020 — could hinder Brazil’s access to the European market, reducing some of the agreement’s potential benefits.

Mexico, Chile, and Russia drive export diversification

Among the countries that saw the most significant increases in purchases in 2025 are Mexico, Chile, Russia, and Indonesia, with Mexico standing out for its strong growth.

* Mexico: imports rose 162.7% in volume and 207% in value, reaching 113.3 thousand tonnes and US$619 million.
* Chile: purchased 118.3 thousand tonnes, up 22.1%, generating US$654.6 million (+41.9%).
* Russia: imported 117.3 thousand tonnes, an increase of 48.3%, totaling US$500 million (+77.8%).
* Indonesia: recorded the highest percentage growth, with increases of 298.2% in volume and 214.3% in value, totaling 38.5 thousand tonnes and US$139.3 million.

In total, 179 countries purchased Brazilian beef in 2025, with 137 increasing their imports compared to the previous year.

Source: Portal do Agronegócio

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