The latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services indicated that October’s fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports totaled 320,558 mt, surpassing September’s previous record of 314,690 mt by 1.9% and setting a new all-time high. On a year-over-year (YOY) basis, this represents an 18.6% growth from October last year.

China continued to be the top destination by far, remaining relatively steady MOM at 187,271 mt, accounting for 58.4% of total exports. Compared to the same month last year, this represents a notable 19.0% YOY increase. Year-to-date (YTD), Brazilian beef exports to the Chinese marked reached 1.32 million mt, up 21.8% from the corresponding period in 2024, already matching the total volume shipped for the entire previous year.

Chile climbed two positions to become Brazil’s second-largest beef export destination in October, reaffirming its growing relevance as a key South American trading partner. Shipments surged 24.0% from the previous month to 12,626 mt, marking a significant 44.9% YOY increase. The Philippines held the third place at 12,409 mt, after experiencing a slight 2.2% monthly drop, but still 9.4% higher when compared to the same period last year.

The United States also maintained its position in fourth, with shipments rising 36.8% MOM to 10,990 mt. Despite the increase, volumes remained less than half of those recorded in October last year, as exports continued to be constrained by elevated tariffs. Historically, shipments to the US tend to rise toward year-end, as exporters aim to time deliveries with the renewal of the annual tariff-rate quota at the turn of the year, which last year was fully exhausted before the end of January.

Mexico followed next in fifth place at 10,172 mt, reflecting a 22.8% monthly decline as buyers held back on forward purchases while closely monitoring the expected renewal of the Package Against Inflation and Scarcity (PACIC) by the end of the year. Despite the monthly drop, exports to Mexico remained 49.5% higher YOY.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) represented 10.9% of total exports for the month, or 34,970 mt, highlighting the region’s relevance for the Brazilian beef complex. Shipments to the bloc held virtually steady from the previous month but grew 15.2% from October last year. Two MENA countries ranked among the top 10 destinations, Egypt in sixth with 10,069 mt, Saudi Arabia in eighth with 6,255 mt.

Beef exports to the European Union bloc totaled 14,924 mt, now representing 4.7% share of total shipments. This volume marks a 16% monthly uptick, and more than October last year’s figure, up 120.2% YOY. Despite the significant growth of the bloc as a whole, surprisingly only the Netherlands made to the top 10 list in ninth at 6,114 mt, after growing 39.4% MOM and 166.2% YOY.