Brazil set to reach record live cattle export levels in 2025

Brazil’s live cattle exports continue to grow at a fast pace and may reach a record volume in 2025. In September alone, 137,170 head of cattle were shipped — the second-highest volume ever recorded for a single month, behind only December 2024. Revenue for the month totaled US$ 147.93 million, with an average price of US$ 76.32 per arroba. The data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC) were compiled by Agrifatto.

From January through September, Brazil exported 788,410 head of cattle, 16.08% more than in the same period of 2024. According to economist and Agrifatto CEO Lygia Pimentel, if this trend continues, the country could close 2025 with around 1.5 million animals shipped abroad — the highest annual result ever recorded in the sector.

The main destinations remain Middle Eastern and North African countries. “This cattle is primarily sent for Halal slaughter, which is part of their religious practice. So it goes to Turkey, Iraq, Morocco, and Egypt. Those four markets alone account for almost 80% of our exports,” said Pimentel. “With Saudi Arabia included, the concentration reaches nearly 100%.”

Live cattle shipments are concentrated in regions near ports. Pará accounted for 59.59% of exports through September 2025, followed by Rio Grande do Sul (22.38%) and São Paulo (5.08%). “It’s centered in places where there’s both cattle supply and proximity to ports. The Port of Santarém facilitates access to maritime transport,” Pimentel explained.

Record competitiveness
The economist emphasized that the competitiveness of Brazilian cattle has supported exports. “Today, Brazilian beef cattle are the cheapest in the world. They usually are, but this year our price advantage over competitors is particularly strong. I think that’s the main factor: both volume and price,” she said.

According to a report from Agrifatto, the average price per animal sold abroad in September was US$ 76 per arroba, compared with an average of US$ 57 in the domestic market.

Limited impact on the domestic market
Despite the growth, live cattle exports still represent a small share of Brazil’s overall beef industry. In 2024, they accounted for 3.15% of total cattle slaughtered in the country, and even if the figure reaches 1.5 million animals in 2025, it will correspond to just 3.59% of the projected national slaughter for the year.

For Pimentel, it’s an important niche but not a dominant one. “It’s very difficult to offset the domestic processing of this cattle. It will always be a residual part of what we sell. It increases when Brazil’s cattle prices are much lower than competitors’, but it will never represent the majority of slaughter,” she noted.

Rio de Janeiro plans live cattle exports
With an eye on this growing market, the government of Rio de Janeiro is studying the feasibility of exporting live cattle through the Port of Açu, in São João da Barra. The initiative, which will start on an experimental scale, aims to open new channels for local cattle farmers and expand international markets.

According to the state government, the plan is to strengthen regional livestock farming by aligning animal-welfare protocols and meeting all sanitary requirements. The project’s launch date, however, has not yet been announced.

Pimentel said the project’s success will depend on the availability of cattle in the area. “The port is suitable for this type of transport, but it hasn’t yet become a reality. There’s potential, but everything depends on logistics and the supply of animals near the port,” she observed.

Source: Diário do Acre

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