Brazilian beef exports reach record volume in February 2026 – Secretariat of Foreign Trade
BRAZIL – Brazilian beef exports in February 2026 totalled 267,319 tons, generating US$1.44 billion in revenue, according to data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex) compiled by the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC).
Compared with February 2025, exported volume rose 21.6% while revenue increased 38.2%, reflecting a broad surge in international demand for Brazilian beef.
The February result also slightly exceeded January 2026, when Brazil shipped 264,000 tons worth US$1.404 billion, setting a new record for a February in historical data.
In the first two months of 2026, combined exports reached 531,298 tons and US$2.84 billion in revenue, marking a 23.8% increase in volume and 39.2% growth in value compared with the same period last year.
Product Mix and Key Markets
Fresh beef dominated exports, totalling 235,890 tons or 88.2% of volume, and generating 92.2% of February’s export revenue.
China remained the largest destination, importing 106,702 tons, followed by the United States with 39,440 tons, Russia with 15,762 tons, Chile with 13,857 tons, and the European Union receiving 9,084 tons.
Month-on-month, shipments to Russia grew 111.6%, Mexico by 132%, and Chile by 37.6%, while exports to the European Union rose 21.2%.
Dependence on China
Data from China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs shows Brazil supplied 372,080 tons to China in January and February, using 33.64% of the country’s 1.1 million ton quota for 2026.
China accounted for 56% of Brazil’s total beef exports in the first two months, prompting exporters to explore other markets to reduce reliance on a single buyer.
Shipment Timing Discrepancy
Differences have appeared between Chinese import data and Brazil’s official export figures, with Secex reporting 229,850 tons shipped to China in the same period, including 123,150 tons in January and 106,700 tons in February.
The discrepancy stems from timing: China registers shipments upon arrival, while Brazil records exports at departure, so consignments sent in 2025 but received in 2026 are counted against this year’s quota.
Earlier this year, Brazilian exporters urged the government to engage with Chinese authorities to exclude shipments sent before the quota took effect, but no resolution has been reached.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
