Brazil’s Beef Industry Sees Scope for Stronger U.S. Trade Ties, Dedicated Export Quota

Brazil’s beef industry is discussing the possibility of negotiating a dedicated quota for Brazilian beef exports to the United States, ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 metric tons per year. The idea, raised on the sidelines of the 65th Annual Conference of the Meat Import Council of America (MICA), held this week in Arizona, aims to provide greater predictability for Brazil’s access to the U.S. market.

The possibility does not yet constitute an official proposal submitted to the U.S. government, nor is it the subject of formal negotiations. Rather, it is an option being discussed by the industry amid changes in bilateral trade and a growing U.S. need to diversify its sources of supply.

During a trade policy panel on Wednesday (Nov. 4), Roberto Perosa, president of the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC), emphasized the importance of relations between the two countries.

In Perosa’s assessment, despite tariff tensions over the past year, Brazil and the United States have maintained significant trade ties and have room to expand their partnership.

One of the arguments is that Brazilian beef can meet specific needs of the U.S. meat industry, particularly by supplying lean cuts used in the production of ground beef and hamburgers.

Currently, Brazilian beef exports do not benefit from a dedicated U.S. import quota. Brazil is among the suppliers that share the quota allocated to countries without country-specific reservations.

According to industry sources, U.S. buyers have expressed interest in Brazilian beef but are seeking highly competitive prices, in some cases below those prevailing in the international market.

For this reason, the industry believes that simply increasing sales volumes is not enough. It is also necessary to secure commercial terms that allow Brazilian meatpackers to plan ahead and receive adequate returns.

On the U.S. side, the need to diversify sources of supply also helps explain interest in Brazilian beef.

U.S. Cattle Herd at Its Lowest Level Since 1951

The United States began 2026 with a herd of 86.2 million cattle and calves, the lowest January inventory since 1951, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The number of beef cows, estimated at 27.6 million head, also reached the lowest level on record.

Tight supplies are affecting consumer prices. In an October forecast, the USDA projected an 8.7% increase in average beef and veal prices in 2026, well above the 2.8% increase expected for food prices overall.

Meat prices have also become part of the U.S. political debate. As CNN Agronews agricultural analyst and presenter Isadora Camargo reported, food prices, trade tensions and production costs are among the factors contributing to economic pressures facing the agricultural sector under the Trump administration.

Against this backdrop, expanding imports is seen as an alternative to bolster supplies and ease upward pressure on prices. For Brazil, the opportunity lies in strengthening its position as a complementary supplier capable of meeting the needs of the U.S. meat industry.

Brazilian Government Seeks More Predictable Conditions for Brazilian Beef Exports

The Brazilian industry’s participation in the conference was also accompanied by government officials. On an official visit to Arizona, Augusto Billi, secretary of trade and international relations at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, presented Brazil’s outlook for supplying the U.S. market and called for greater predictability in trade relations between the two countries.

According to the ministry, Brazil’s position focuses on three areas: greater predictability in market access conditions, deeper regulatory dialogue between the ministry and the USDA, and information sharing among importers, exporters and industry associations representing both countries.

The government also supports expanding technical cooperation and dialogue between the public and private sectors. In its assessment, stable trade relations are essential for business planning and efficient supply chains.

Source: CNN Brasil

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