Brazil’s ports underpin record beef exports as country leads global market in 2025

Brazil cemented its position in 2025 as the world’s largest producer and exporter of beef, overtaking the United States, with the country’s port infrastructure playing a decisive role in delivering that result. The logistics sector responded swiftly to rising demand, enabling shipments of 3.45 million tonnes of beef — a 20.9% increase from the previous year. The figures come from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (Mdic), compiled by the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (Abiec).

The performance generated record export revenue of $18 billion, equivalent to about R$95 billion, up 39.31% from $12.8 billion in 2024. The milestone reflects the close integration between on-farm efficiency and the modernization of Brazil’s port system.

While states such as Mato Grosso (978,400 tonnes), Goiás (508,100 tonnes), Mato Grosso do Sul (450,100 tonnes) and Minas Gerais (324,600 tonnes) drove beef output, port terminals absorbed the increased flows, ensuring deliveries to more than 170 countries, including demanding markets such as China and the European Union.

Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho said the figures show that Brazil’s infrastructure has become a competitive differentiator. “Brazilian agribusiness, led by states such as Mato Grosso and São Paulo, demonstrated its strength by setting production records. Our role was to ensure that this cargo did not stall along the way. The growth of Paranaguá and the solid performance of Santos show that our ports are ready to absorb the country’s economic expansion and deliver results,” he said.

Key Ports

The Port of Santos maintained its clear lead in volume, remaining the main gateway for Brazilian agribusiness exports. The complex handled 1.7 million tonnes of beef over the year, a 13.3% increase from 2024.

The following is a historical overview of Brazilian beef exports via the Port of Santos since January 2022. This chart was compiled using DataLiner data:

Brazilian Beef Exports via Port of Santos | Jan 2022 – Dec 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

The Port of Paranaguá consolidated its role as Brazil’s largest export corridor for frozen animal protein — including beef, pork and poultry — posting a sharp 46.5% increase in beef shipments in 2025, totaling 1.2 million tonnes.

Another standout was the Port of São Francisco do Sul, which strengthened its position as a third strategic outlet for the sector, with shipments rising 20% to 180,000 tonnes.

Logistics efficiency also proved critical in protecting the competitiveness of Brazilian beef amid external challenges, including higher tariffs imposed by the United States. Faster loading operations and lower port-related costs helped offset trade barriers, allowing the sector to boost revenue and open new markets in the Arab world and across Asia.

Source: Ports and Airports Ministry

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