Brazilian beef exports totaled 264,400 tons in July 2026, according to a survey by the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC), based on data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex). This volume was 16.1% lower than that recorded in July 2025. In terms of revenue, shipments reached US$1.58 billion, a 5.5% reduction compared to the same period last year.
The month’s result was mainly influenced by the reduction in shipments to China, following the strong concentration of sales to the country in the first half of the year due to the quota established for Brazilian beef. In July, the Chinese market received 85,800 tons, 47% less than in the same month of 2025. Revenue was US$537.9 million, a decrease of 50.3%.
The change in pace was already expected by the sector. With the quota being filled more quickly, industries reduced shipments to avoid cargoes arriving in China above the established limit and being subject to the additional tariff. This movement occurs after a first semester marked by the anticipation of exports to the main destination of Brazilian beef, a scenario previously highlighted by the president of ABIEC, Roberto Perosa.
“July is beginning to show a change in dynamics that we were already expecting for the second half of the year. We had a significant increase in exports to China in the first months of the year and, with the increase in the quota, there is naturally a reduction in this flow. In this scenario, the work of diversifying and expanding markets for Brazilian beef becomes even more important,” says Perosa.
Other markets increase purchases
July’s performance also highlights important movements in other destinations. Of the five main markets for Brazilian beef in the month, four registered growth in volume compared to July 2025.
Chile imported 19,200 tons, a growth of 50.2%, while the European Union reached 12,500 tons, an increase of 52.6%. The United States, the second largest destination in the month, received 28,900 tons, an increase of 9.7%, and Mexico reached 12,400 tons, a growth of 4.5%.
In terms of revenue, shipments to Chile totaled US$122.4 million (+50.3%); to the European Union, US$109.8 million (+46.1%); to the United States, US$193.9 million (+0.5%); and to Mexico, US$79.4 million (+7.2%).
Despite the reduction recorded in July, Brazil’s beef exports are maintaining growth in 2026. From January to July, 1.969 million tons were shipped, 9.9% more than the same period in 2025. Accumulated revenue reached US$11.43 billion, an increase of 28.3% .
China remains the top destination in the year-to-date total, with 880,300 tons, a growth of 9.8%. Following are the United States, with 233,800 tons (+17.1%); Chile, with 89,900 tons (+29.8%); Russia, with 74,300 tons (+23.8%); and the European Union, with 63,700 tons (+10.4%). The data shows volume growth in all five main destinations year-to-date.
In addition to the main buyers, markets that have been gaining ground showed significant progress. Indonesia reached 43,800 tons between January and July, a growth of 242.1% compared to the same period in 2025. Vietnam, which opened to Brazilian beef in 2025, reached 8,400 tons (+375.4%), while Argentina imported 16,200 tons (+139.5%).
“We have traditional markets expanding their purchases and new destinations gaining relevance. The strategy continues to be investing in regions where there is potential for increased demand and working with the Brazilian government to open new markets. Asia remains a priority region in this process,” Perosa emphasizes.
The data takes into account Brazilian exports of fresh, processed, and salted beef, as well as offal, fat, and tripe.
