Brazil leads U.S. imported beef supply in Q1 2026, USDA says

In the first quarter of 2026, the United States imported 1.709 billion pounds of beef (775,200 tonnes), a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, when imports totaled 1.482 billion pounds (672,200 tonnes), according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Brazil led the ranking of the largest beef suppliers to the U.S. market, shipping 394.3 million pounds (178,900 tonnes) in the first quarter of this year, up 8% from the 365.8 million pounds (165,900 tonnes) recorded in the same period of 2025, the USDA said.

The following chart shows a historical overview of Brazilian beef exports to the United States starting in January 2022. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Brazilian Beef Exports to the United States | Jan 2022 to Mar 2026 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

As a result, Brazil accounted for 23% of total U.S. beef imports from January through March this year, a slight decline of 1.7 percentage points from the 24.7% share seen in the same period of 2025.

Australia ranked as the second-largest beef exporter to the United States, shipping 333.7 million pounds (151,400 tonnes) during the first three months of 2026, a 12% increase from 297.8 million pounds (135,100 tonnes) shipped in the same period last year.

Other major suppliers to the U.S. market during the first quarter included Canada (down 3% year-on-year), Mexico (up 23%), and New Zealand (down 2%).

In March 2026 alone, U.S. beef imports rose 19% compared to the same month last year, reaching 599 million pounds, according to the USDA.

Brazil (up 26%), Mexico (up 39%), Australia (up 23%), and Uruguay (up 36%) contributed significantly to the sharp increase.

Imports from Mexico exceeded 75 million pounds (34,000 tonnes), marking a monthly record for the country, the USDA highlighted.

According to department estimates, beef imports are expected to remain strong in the coming months.

Weekly purchases through April 2026 were also above year-earlier levels, the USDA noted.

Due to the sustained pace of imports and strong demand for lean beef used in processing, the USDA raised its second-quarter U.S. beef import forecast by 150 million pounds (68,000 tonnes), to 1.625 billion pounds (737,100 tonnes).

Forecasts for the third and fourth quarters were also increased by 50 million pounds (22,700 tonnes) and 35 million pounds (15,900 tonnes), respectively.

The full-year 2026 import forecast now stands at 6.109 billion pounds (2.77 million tonnes), up 12% from the previous year.

The 2027 import forecast, however, is projected at 6 billion pounds (2.72 million tonnes), representing a 2% decline year-on-year.

The USDA said the expected reduction is mainly due to projected global beef availability.

Several of the world’s main beef suppliers are expected to slow production cycles or reduce operations during 2026, resulting in lower exportable beef supplies in 2027, the department said.

Source: Portal DBO

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