Before New U.S. Tariff, Brazil’s Beef Exports Hit Monthly Record in June

Brazil’s beef exports reached 341.55 thousand tonnes in June, a 41% increase compared to the same period last year and a new monthly record, the Brazilian Association of Meatpackers (Abrafrigo) reported on July 17, citing federal government data. The previous record was 319.29 thousand tonnes exported in October 2024.

The country earned US$1.505 billion from June shipments, a 55% year-over-year increase.

The volumes shipped in June occurred before the U.S. announced a new 50% surcharge on Brazilian products, a move that could render continued exports to the American market unviable. “The industry is already feeling the effects of the measure, with purchase orders being canceled by U.S. clients, and the sector anxiously awaits negotiations for a solution,” the association said.

Abrafrigo estimates that the cattle industry could lose around US$1.3 billion if the new tariff, set to take effect on August 1, remains in place.

In the first half of 2025, total exports of beef and byproducts generated US$7.446 billion in revenue and 1.69 million tonnes in volume, representing increases of 28% and 17.3%, respectively.

Top Destinations

China remains Brazil’s top customer in the beef sector, increasing its purchases by 11.3% in volume and 27.4% in revenue in the first half. China imported 631.9 thousand tonnes, generating US$3.204 billion in revenue.

The average price paid by China rose from US$4,433 per tonne in the first half of 2024 to US$5,071 in the same period of 2025, “reflecting the appreciation of the price per arroba of fattened cattle this year,” Abrafrigo noted.

The United States, Brazil’s second-largest beef importer, increased its purchases by 85.4% in volume and 99.8% in revenue from January to June, with 411.7 thousand tonnes shipped and US$1.287 billion in earnings.

Currently, China accounts for 43% of Brazil’s total beef export revenue and 37.4% of the total volume exported, while the U.S. represents 24.4% of the volume and 17.3% of the revenue.

Source: Globo Rural

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