Chinese and Arab importers signal rising demand for Brazilian beef

Although Brazil already has a strong presence in China and Arab countries, its beef still has room to expand in these markets. During the National Meat Congress (Conacarne), held last Thursday (Sept. 18) in Belo Horizonte, importers highlighted the potential for growth in global purchases of Brazilian beef.

China already accounts for more than 40% of Brazil’s beef exports and is likely to increase its demand for Brazilian products and those from other South American countries such as Argentina, said Kelly Wang, director of international business at the Chinese import platform Optimize Integration Group (OIG).

She emphasized that Brazilian beef has a strong reputation in China for its consistency and product quality. “Brazilian producers have been doing an excellent job in China. They provide standardized products, and the Chinese population is huge,” Wang said.

According to Wang, maintaining this level of standardization is a crucial factor for Chinese buyers. “We are seeking new beef suppliers, such as Argentina and Brazil. I think you (Brazilians) can invest in new products and attract new Chinese consumers,” she added.

In 2024, China imported about 2.9 million tonnes of beef, a volume more than 5% higher than in the previous year.

Check out below a history of Brazilian beef exports to China starting in January 2022. The chart was prepared with DataLiner data and excludes cabotage, transshipment, and domestic movements.

Beef Exports to China | Jan 2022 to Jul 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Wang said the country has a massive demand for external beef purchases, but financial challenges exist. Cost is an important issue because, according to her, beef prices in China are at their lowest level in the past decade.

In this context, Brazil “plays an important role in terms of cost,” since its beef remains competitively priced for Chinese buyers. “The average per capita consumption in China is low, about 8 kilos per year, which is below the global average, and the reasons are economic,” Wang explained.

Overall, Chinese consumers have different requirements and habits depending on the region, which could create opportunities for trade between the two countries.

“In processing, the majority of beef is imported,” she noted. However, the largest consumers of beef are supermarkets, followed by hotels, and third, the processed meat industry.

Arab countries
Brazilian beef has also been gaining ground in Arab countries, filling demand that was once met by products from New Zealand and Australia, for example. Riyadh Jabbar, director of Al Tayeb Meat at LuLu Group, believes Brazil has the potential to expand further in the Gulf region but must improve its digital traceability practices.

“Digital traceability is extremely important. There needs to be a joint effort between countries in my region and Brazil to ensure digital traceability and verified certification,” said the executive from the United Arab Emirates.

According to Jabbar, Brazilian beef is one of the most highly accepted among Arab consumers, thanks to high levels of trust and quality.

An important factor is that about 40% of Brazil’s exports to the region are halal-certified products. This requirement, he noted, “is not about religion but about trust” in product quality.

“I believe we can increase the amount of business we do between our markets,” he estimated.

Jabbar also suggested that Brazilian exporters adapt to vacuum-sealed packaging standards commonly used in Arab markets. “They are very important to us,” he said.

Convenience at the time of consumption is another differentiator. “Our consumers want beef that is ready to cook,” he explained.

In addition to the local population, restaurants are a major source of demand for beef, as are establishments that cater to tourists.

Source: Globo Rural

Sharing is caring!