Brazil: Beef exports hit a record high in January 2026
Brazilian beef exports totaled US$1.404 billion in January 2026, with shipments of 264,000 tons, according to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), compiled by the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec). This result represents the best performance ever recorded for a January in the historical series.
Compared to January 2025, when 209,400 tons and US$1.002 billion were exported, exports showed growth of 40.2% in value and 26.1% in volume, driven by increased shipments and consistent demand from major importing markets.
Fresh beef maintained its leading position in Brazilian exports during the period. In January, the segment accounted for US$1.292 billion, equivalent to 91.97% of the total value exported, with a volume of 231,800 tons, representing 87.8% of the total shipped in the month.
Processed meats totaled US$58.5 million, with shipments of 7,900 tons, while offal totaled US$37.3 million and 16,900 tons. Fats, tripe, and salted products were also included in the export list during the period.
China maintains its leading position among destinations
China was the main destination for Brazilian beef in January, with imports of US$657.2 million and 123,200 tons, accounting for 46.8% of the value and 46.6% of the total volume exported by Brazil in the month. In January 2025, China had imported 91,200 tons, representing an increase of approximately 35% in the volume shipped.
The United States ranked second, with purchases of US$193.7 million and 29,900 tons. In the same month of 2025, 16,500 tons were imported, resulting in a growth of approximately 63% in volume. Together, China and the United States accounted for about 60% of the total value exported during the period.
Other major destinations included the United Arab Emirates (US$ 38.9 million, 7,400 tons), Egypt (US$ 35.7 million, 8,700 tons), Russia (US$ 33 million, 7,800 tons), Hong Kong (US$ 32.3 million, 8,000 tons), Saudi Arabia (US$ 30.6 million, 5,700 tons) and Israel (US$ 25.1 million, 3,700 tons).
Other markets also recorded significant growth in import volume in January, notably Vietnam (+41%), Peru (+41%) and the Philippines (+159%), as well as countries in Africa and the Middle East, reinforcing the diversification and expansion of the reach of Brazilian beef.
“Even with a more challenging scenario, marked by geopolitical issues and lower meat production in several countries, Brazil showed in January that it maintains the capacity to export significant volumes. Brazilian beef now reaches 177 countries, which helps sustain the pace of shipments and the product's presence in key markets,” says Roberto Perosa, president of Abiec.
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