Brazil: Beef exports grew in March, registering the best result of the year
Brazilian beef exports totaled 270,800 tons in March 2026, generating US$1.48 billion in revenue, according to data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex) of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), compiled by the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC). This result represents the best monthly performance of the year so far, reinforcing the consistent pace of Brazilian exports.
Compared to March 2025, the volume shipped grew by 9.1%, while revenue increased by 26.0%, reflecting strong international demand for Brazilian protein. Fresh beef remains the main exported product, accounting for 86.4% of the total volume shipped and 91.7% of the revenue obtained in the month, maintaining its position as the basis of the sector's export portfolio.
Among the main destinations, China maintained its leadership, with 105,400 tons exported and revenue of US$ 603.1 million, representing growth of 8.4% in volume and 30.1% in value compared to the previous year. The United States followed, with 38,100 tons (-9.5%) and US$ 238.5 million (+5.7%), followed by Chile, which registered strong expansion, with 15,300 tons (+37.7%) and US$ 88.6 million (+51.1%). The European Union also stood out, with 9,100 tons (+25.1%) and US$ 77.9 million (+40.4%), and Mexico, with 8,000 tons (+39.0%) and US$ 46.6 million (+56.5%).
In the first quarter of 2026, Brazilian beef exports totaled 801,900 tons, generating US$4.33 billion in revenue. This represents an 18.4% increase in volume and a 34.3% increase in revenue compared to the same period in 2025, when shipments totaled 677,400 tons and US$3.22 billion.
China remains the main destination in the quarter, with 335,300 tons exported (+41.8%) and revenue of US$1.84 billion (+42.5%), accounting for more than 40% of Brazilian exports. The United States appears in second place, with 107,400 tons (+13.4%) and US$682.6 million (+15.8%), followed by Chile, with 39,000 tons (+4.9%) and US$224.5 million (+5.2%). The European Union and Russia complete the list of main destinations, with positive performances in the period.
Conflict in the Middle East
In March, Brazilian beef exports to countries in the Middle East and surrounding conflict zones totaled 18,220 tons, down from 22,919 tons in February, representing a decrease of 4,699 tons (-20.5%). In value, shipments fell from US$137.5 million to US$115.6 million (-15.9%). The decline was mainly driven by the United Arab Emirates, which went from 6,228 tons to 3,147 tons (-3,081 tons | -49.5%), as well as Jordan (1,936 tons → 1,068 tons | -44.8%), Qatar (841 tons → 376 tons | -55.3%), Iraq (564 tons → 325 tons | -42.5%) and Turkey (1,445 tons → 1,067 tons | -26.2%). Saudi Arabia also declined from 4,848 tons to 4,479 tons (-7.6%), while Lebanon had a slight variation (1,611 tons → 1,605 tons | -0.4%).
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