Brazilian turkey meat exports rise 23%

Brazilian turkey meat exports are set on a recovery trajectory in the first four months of 2026. From January to April, Brazil shipped 22,328 tonnes of the protein, up 23.1% from the same period last year. Revenue reached about R$454 million, a 124.6% increase from roughly R$202 million in the first four months of 2025, according to Agrostat, the statistics system of the Ministry of Agriculture, compiled by Paraná’s Department of Rural Economy, Deral.

The performance was driven by both higher shipment volumes and higher international prices. The average price of Brazilian turkey meat exports reached about R$20,300 per tonne in the first four months of the year, up 77.6% from roughly R$11,400 per tonne in the same period of 2025.

The figures are significant for a sector that has faced declining domestic consumption for several years. In 2025, Brazilian turkey meat production was estimated at about 138,000 tonnes, down 7% from the previous year. Traditionally associated with year-end holidays, the protein has lost ground in the domestic market to more frequently consumed meats such as chicken and pork, leading the industry to seek new markets abroad.

Almost all Brazilian turkey meat exports are currently sold in unprocessed form. Of the 22,328 tonnes shipped between January and April, 22,112 tonnes were in this category, equivalent to more than 99% of the total.

Production remains highly concentrated in Brazil’s South, which accounts for about 97% of national output. Santa Catarina leads the sector with roughly 62% of supply, followed by Rio Grande do Sul with 23% and Paraná with 15%.

The South’s dominance is also reflected in export figures. Santa Catarina led shipments in the first four months of the year, with 8,906 tonnes and revenue of about R$196 million. Rio Grande do Sul exported 8,663 tonnes, generating around R$145 million, while Paraná shipped 4,739 tonnes, with revenue close to R$113 million.

Compared with the same period in 2025, Santa Catarina increased exports by 38.4%, while Rio Grande do Sul posted growth of 21.2% and Paraná advanced 6.9%. Revenue gains were even stronger. Santa Catarina’s export revenue rose 171.1%, Paraná’s increased 113.1% and Rio Grande do Sul’s grew 69.9%.

Mexico consolidated its position as the main destination for Brazilian turkey meat in 2026. The country imported 6,825 tonnes between January and April, worth about R$153.5 million. Shipments to Mexico rose 319.7% from the same period last year, while revenue jumped 627.4%.

Chile followed with 3,323 tonnes and about R$114.5 million in purchases. South Africa imported 3,027 tonnes worth R$27.2 million, the Netherlands bought 1,611 tonnes worth R$57.3 million, and Peru purchased 1,071 tonnes worth R$15.8 million.

In addition to its main buyers, Brazilian turkey meat also reached markets such as Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Benin, Gabon and the Bahamas, reinforcing the sector’s export diversification strategy.

Although turkey represents a small share of Brazil’s animal protein market, the sector is showing signs of strengthening in foreign trade. Higher prices, rising demand in strategic markets and increased shipments have helped offset part of the pressure from weaker domestic consumption and expand the sector’s presence in international markets.

Source: News MT

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