U.S. Beef Imports from Brazil Plunge 80% in Three Months

The additional tariffs already imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump have reduced Brazilian beef sales to the United States, even before the 50% surcharge, set to take effect on August 1, has been implemented.

In April, the month Trump began applying the extra 10% tariff, Brazil exported 47,800 tons of beef to the U.S.

In less than three months, however, volumes plummeted, with 27,400 tons shipped in May. In June, the figure dropped again to 18,200 tons. So far this month, there has been another sharp decline, with American purchases down to 9,700 tons—an 80% reduction compared to April.

The bilateral trade data comes from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (Mdic) and was compiled by the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (Abiec).

In contrast, though less dramatically, the price of Brazilian beef has risen for U.S. buyers. While the average price paid by importers was US$5,200 per ton in April, it grew to US$5,400 in May and US$5,600 in June. This week, the average has reached US$5,850, a 12% increase.

With uncertainty surrounding what may happen after August, some beef shipments already contracted for U.S. buyers have changed their destination ports within U.S. territory to ensure arrival before August 1.

Behind the scenes, the meat industry and the federal government have been reaching out to U.S. importers to raise awareness about the consequences of a 50% tariff on trade. Those involved in the discussions believe this could serve as a starting point for step-by-step negotiations.

See below the main products exported to the United States via containers in May 2025. The chart was created using DataLiner:

Top 10 Products Exported to the United States via Containers – May 2025 – TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

The overall outlook remains uncertain, as the U.S. government has so far refused to engage in negotiations and continues to impose conditions unrelated to trade—such as pressuring Brazil to revisit Supreme Court proceedings involving former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Last week, meatpackers in Mato Grosso do Sul suspended beef production destined for the United States.

Brazil is currently the largest exporter of beef to the U.S., followed by Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay. The United States is also the second-largest destination for Brazilian beef, after China.

Until the start of this year, beef exports to the U.S. were hitting record levels. Between January and June 2025, Brazil exported 181,500 tons of beef to the United States, generating $ 1.04 billion in revenue over the period.

This result represents a 112.6% increase in volume and a 102% increase in value compared to the same period in 2024, when 85,400 tons were exported, totaling US$515 million.

The average Brazilian export price remains below that of exporters like Canada and Argentina—but that could change drastically if Trump’s proposed 50% surcharge takes effect.

Historically, the United States imposes import quotas on beef. Each exporting country is assigned a limit (quota) for how much it can ship to the U.S. under reduced or zero tariffs. Exports beyond that quota are subject to higher tariffs, which typically make the product less competitive.

Brazil’s current quota is 65,000 tons per year. The country has been exporting far more than that—over 181,000 tons between January and June alone, nearly triple the quota. This indicates that Brazilian beef has continued to enter the U.S. despite facing higher tariffs. However, with Trump’s new tariff threats, that scenario may become unsustainable.

Vice President Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), who is leading dialogue on the issue, has indicated in conversations with aides that Brazil’s productive sectors could play a leading role in shaping a response strategy. The first step, he said, is a series of meetings with domestic industry stakeholders, which began on Tuesday (15th).

According to Abiec, approximately 70% of all beef produced in Brazil is consumed domestically. The 30% that is exported mainly consists of cuts not commonly consumed in Brazil—primarily forequarter cuts, which are sent to the U.S. for use in hamburger production, and offal, which is shipped to Asia for use in stews and other traditional dishes.

Source: Folha de S. Paulo

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