Free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Brazil Set to Begin Beef Exports to Japan

Brazilian beef production is nearing the point of reaching the Japanese market. This Thursday (May 29), Brazil will receive a certificate of recognition from the World Organisation for Animal Health as a foot-and-mouth disease-free country without vaccination. This milestone opens access to more demanding markets, such as Japan, with exports expected to begin in the second half of 2025.

Earlier this month, a Japanese government official visited the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) in Brasília and is expected to return in mid-June for a general inspection of Brazil’s sanitary system.

The Japanese delegation will prepare a technical report and authorize the approval stage based on a pre-listing model, which includes suppliers that meet established criteria.

“The process may take around 60 days after the visit. We are optimistic and working to ensure the clearance happens in 2025, preferably in the second half,” said Roberto Perosa, president of the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec).

Below are the top destinations for Brazilian beef in the first quarter of 2025, based on DataLiner data:

Top 10 Buyers of Brazilian Beef | Jan–Mar 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Lula Government Skips WOAH Certification Ceremony in Paris

The Lula administration will not send high-ranking officials to the WOAH ceremony in Paris for the presentation of the foot-and-mouth-free certification. Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro canceled his trip and will instead join the president on his international agenda in France the following week.

The government also canceled the trips of Secretary of Agricultural Defense Carlos Goulart and his deputy, Allan Alvarenga, as stated in the Diário Oficial da União. A government agricultural inspector was designated to represent Brazil.

In the absence of top federal officials, Senator Tereza Cristina (PP-MS), former Agriculture Minister under Bolsonaro, is expected to play a prominent role at the event, highlighting the importance of Brazilian states in beef production. She will attend the event in Paris on behalf of the Agricultural Parliamentary Front (FPA).

Several Brazilian states, including São Paulo, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Piauí, Pernambuco, Amazonas, and Tocantins, are participating in the WOAH assembly, which began last Sunday (May 25), with their delegations.

Brazilian Livestock Sector Bets on Technology to Improve Beef Quality

Japan relies heavily on beef imports, making it an attractive market for Brazilian producers.

“Japan imports 65% of its beef, and Brazil produces quality meat with globally recognized sanitary standards. We offer some of the most affordable beef in large volumes. Expectations are high,” said Marcelo El Kadri, president of the Paraná Rural Society (SRP).

Technological innovations and mechanization are helping improve efficiency and standardization in production, which supports Brazilian exports. Producers recognize that high-standard management practices are essential to meet Japan’s strict requirements.

“Today, we use drones and satellites to apply pesticides only where needed, increasing accuracy and saving costs. We also use chips that weigh cattle in confinement without stress. Animals are weighed up to twice a day when moving between water and feeding areas. Brazil is highly advanced, and this appeals to the Japanese market,” El Kadri added.

Mato Grosso Leads Brazil’s Beef Supply for Japan

In 2024, Mato Grosso led beef production in Brazil, accounting for 18.1% of national slaughter, and is preparing for exports to Japan. It was the country’s top beef exporter last year, generating USD 685.66 million in revenue.

“We produce high-quality cuts, rich in marbling—thanks to crossbred animals with superior conditioning,” explained Valdecir Francisco Pinto Junior, information management analyst at the Mato Grosso Institute of Beef (Imac).

According to Imac, Mato Grosso exports to 150 countries and meets Japan’s standards.

“The beef destined for Japan will come from calves born two or three years ago. Mato Grosso’s producers and industry are ready for this market,” he emphasized.

The National Individual Identification Plan (PNIB), launched in December 2024, will be gradually implemented over eight years until 2032 to support traceability, improve sanitary security, and enhance product quality—key requirements for the Japanese market.

“Traceability, from farm to slaughterhouse, benefits the meat market. It ensures we remain competitive and relevant,” said Pinto Junior.

Implementation will be phased, with the national database expected by 2026, animal identification between 2027 and 2029, and full herd coverage by 2032.

Brazil to Export 3.6 Million Tonnes of Beef in 2025

Japan is the seventh-largest global beef importer, purchasing about 700,000 tonnes per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture estimates that 70% of Japan’s beef is imported, generating between USD 3 billion and USD 4 billion in annual revenue. Export prices to Japan are approximately 29% higher than Brazil’s average, providing significant gains for producers.

In 2025, Brazil is expected to export 3.6 million tonnes of beef, a 2.5% increase over 2024, based on data from the USDA and Brazil’s National Supply Company (Conab). Last year, Brazil set a record with 2.89 million tonnes exported, representing a 26% increase from 2023. Revenue from beef exports also rose to USD 12.8 billion, a 22% increase.

In Q1 2025, Brazil’s cattle slaughter rose 3.8% compared to Q1 2024, with 9.71 million head processed under sanitary inspection.

Beyond Japan, Brazil is also negotiating with Turkey, Vietnam, and South Korea, which, together with Japan, account for approximately 30% of global beef demand.

Source: Gazeta do Povo

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