Beef exports expected to end 2019 with new records in volume and sales

Driven by Chinese demand, Brazilian beef exports are expected to close 2019 with new records in volume and sales. The estimate released by the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (Abiec) is that shipped volumes will reach 1.83m tons and revenues of US$7.5bn. If confirmed, the figures would represent growth of 11.3% and 13.3%, respectively, exceeding projections made at the end of 2018 and consolidating the pace of growth of Brazilian sales.

For the president of Abiec, Antonio Jorge Camardelli, the positive result this year is mainly due to the expansion of consolidated markets, which demonstrates the quality and competitiveness of Brazilian meat. “The growth of exports in important markets shows the quality and competitiveness of Brazilian meat, as well as the confidence of international markets in our product,” he says.

From January to November 2019, sales registered a volume of 1.67m tons, an increase of 12.33% over the same period of 2018. In sales, growth was 12.6%, with a total of US$6.75bn. In November, exports totaled 179,948 tons, up 13.8% over the same month of 2018. In revenues, the month grew 36.7% and closed with US$847.54m.

Brazilian beef exports month by month in 2019

Source: Ministry of Economy/Secex/Abiec

Major Importers

The positive results were mainly driven by the growth in Chinese demand, which in 2019 was consolidated as the main destination of Brazilian meat, accounting for 24.5% of the total exported by the country. From January to November, exports to China totaled 410,444 tons, up 39.5% over the same period of 2018.

In revenue, growth was of 59.75%, with a total of $2.17bn.

Brazilian beef exports between January and November 2019 – main markets

Source: Ministry of Economy/Secex/Abiec

Outlook for 2020

Based on the positive results recorded in 2019, the entity estimates that the pace of growth will continue in 2020, driven by the possible enablement of new plants for China and opening of new markets. With this, the expectation is that the exported volumes grow 13%, reaching 2.07m tons. Regarding revenues, the projection is for growth of 15%, with revenues of US$8.5bn.

Brazilian beef exports in recent years and prospects for 2020:

Source: Ministry of Economy/Secex/Abiec – *estimate/**perspective

Summary of beef exports in 2019 (estimate)

• Revenue: US$7,449,713
• Total tons: 1,828,876
• Export: 154 countries
• Major importers: China, Hong Kong, and Egypt

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