Brazil’s beef exports rise 5.3% in April as shipments pass 1 million tons in four months
China remained the largest buyer, accounting for nearly half of Brazil’s overseas beef shipments
BRAZIL – Brazil exported 288,700 tons of beef in April 2026, marking a 5.3% increase from the 274,100 tons shipped during the same month in 2025, while volumes also rose 6.6% from March this year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services and compiled by the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries.
Revenue from beef exports totalled US$1.719 billion in April, which represented a 29.1% rise compared to April last year and a 15.9% increase from the previous month as international demand for Brazilian beef remained firm.
China continued to dominate as the leading destination for Brazilian beef after importing 138,900 tons valued at US$886.5 million during the month, with shipments to the country increasing 28.8% from April 2025 and accounting for 48.1% of all beef exported by Brazil in the period.
The United States ranked second among export destinations with purchases of 42,400 tons worth US$279.9 million, while Chile imported 10,500 tons valued at US$62.1 million and the European Union bought 8,700 tons worth US$78.4 million.
Fresh beef products remained the largest category in Brazil’s export portfolio after representing 87.3% of all beef shipments recorded in April.
Exports exceed 1 million tons
Between January and April 2026, Brazil exported 1.091 million tons of beef, which was 14.6% higher than the 951,500 tons shipped during the same period in 2025, while export earnings climbed 32.8% year-on-year to reach US$6.047 billion.
China led year-to-date imports with purchases of 474,200 tons valued at US$2.724 billion, representing 43.5% of Brazil’s total exported beef volume and 45% of export revenue during the four-month period, while shipments to the Chinese market were also 28.8% higher than a year earlier.
Meanwhile, the United States imported 149,800 tons worth US$962.5 million, equivalent to 13.7% of Brazil’s exported beef volume, while Chile bought 49,500 tons valued at US$286.6 million and Russia imported 40,400 tons worth US$178.8 million.
The European Union purchased 34,700 tons valued at US$299.7 million during the first four months of the year, with shipment volumes to the bloc increasing 17.7% from the same period in 2025.
Middle East demand weakens
Several Middle Eastern markets reduced purchases of Brazilian beef in April amid conflict in the region, with exports to the United Arab Emirates dropping 80.7% from March to 606 tons and falling 84.3% from April last year.
Shipments to Turkey declined 58.9% month-on-month to 438 tons, while exports to Israel fell 40.8% to 2,692 tons and volumes sent to Libya dropped 57.9% to 875 tons.
Egypt also lowered imports by 10.8% from March to 6,774 tons, although purchases remained above the level recorded in April 2025.
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