The latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services showed that fresh beef (frozen and chilled) exports totaled 268,563 metric tons (mt) in August 2025. While this was 2.8% below the record 276,879 mt shipped in July, volumes remained 23.5% higher YOY.

China remained the top destination with 158,054 mt, virtually unchanged from July 2025 (-0.2%) but up 47.9% compared to the same period last year. The country continues to expand its share of total exports, now at 58.9%, which compares with 57.2% in July and 49.2% in August 2024.

Despite a 14.6% MOM drop in volume, Mexico maintained the second position at 13,301 mt, a volume more than three times during the same period last year, up 217.1% YOY. Since the launch of the Package Against Inflation and Scarcity (PACIC) in 2022, which exempted import tariffs, shipments continue to show a consistent growth. Mexico’s participation share of Brazilian beef exports surged from 1.9% in August 2024 to 5.0% this year.

Russia jumped another position to third, with 4.6% of total shipments, or 12,406 mt, up 9.4% from the previous month and 65.0% YOY increase. Chile followed closely with 11,695 mt, after growing 14.9% MoM and 7.5% YOY.  The Philippines remained in fifth place, with a marginal monthly increase of 0.9% to 10,334 mt, though when compared to the same period last year, export figure dropped 4.6%.

The United States fell from third to seventh place after shipments dropped by half to 6,500 mt last month, and accounting for a more pronounced YOY decline of 57.4%. The sharp contraction reflects subdued demand for Brazilian beef, following the 76.4% tariff applied to shipments departing after August 6 and arriving after October 5, which has shifted buyers toward alternative suppliers.

Shipments to Middle East and North Africa bloc grew 1.4% MOM to 26,650 mt, which represents 9.9% of total beef exports. However, it still accounts for a 28.8% drop on a yearly basis. Despite the YOY decline, the region continues to underline a relevant destination for Brazilian beef. Three MENA countries held its positions among the top 10 destinations, Egypt jumping from ninth to sixth with 6,945 mt, Israel climbing one position to ninth at 4,031 mt and Saudi Arabia in tenth with 3,535 mt.

Co-authored by:

Joe Muldowney
Expana
1-732-240-5330 ext. 244
[email protected]

Image source: Getty