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With Revenue of US$ 1.92 Billion in September, Sector Compensates for 41% Drop in Sales to the US with Growth Driven by China; Understand the New Scenario.
The Brazilian agricultural sector demonstrated once again its resilience and ability to adapt in the global market. In September, beef exports reached a record revenue of US$ 1.92 billion, a significant increase of 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This historic milestone, announced by the Brazilian Association of Refrigerators (Abrafrigo) and reported by Forbes, was primarily driven by strong demand from China, which solidified its position as Brazil’s main trading partner in this segment.
The remarkable result occurs in a context of profound geopolitical and trade changes. While sales to the Chinese market skyrocketed, shipments to the United States suffered a sharp decline. The positive performance, even in the face of tariff barriers imposed by a traditional partner, reveals a successful strategy of market diversification and the strengthening of new trade alliances, ensuring the financial health of one of the pillars of the national economy.
China Solidifies Position as Main Trading Partner
China was undoubtedly the driving force behind the September record. Purchases by the Asian giant totaled 187.34 thousand tons, representing a growth of 38.3% compared to the same month last year. This significant volume not only supports the sector’s trade balance but also indicates a long-term trend. According to analysts consulted by Forbes, the Chinese movement can be interpreted as a direct response to trade tensions with the United States, leading the country to seek more stable and reliable suppliers, such as Brazil.
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This scenario is not exclusive to livestock. The same dynamic is observed in other agribusiness sectors, such as soybeans, where Brazil has also recorded record export volumes to China. The “trade war” between the two largest economies in the world has opened a window of opportunity that Brazilian producers have been able to seize, consolidating the country as a strategic and indispensable supplier for China’s food security.
The Drastic Decline of the US and the Sector’s Overcoming
In contrast to the Chinese advance, sales to the United States showed a significant retraction. In September, exports to the North American market fell 41%, totaling US$ 102.9 million. As detailed by Forbes, this was the second month in which additional rates imposed by the US government on Brazilian products were in effect, an obstacle that tested the sector’s ability to react. Despite the decline, the US remains the second largest buyer of Brazilian beef for the year-to-date.
Abrafrigo, in a statement, highlighted that the overall performance of the sector shows that “it has been successfully overcoming adversities and taking advantage of new business opportunities.” This ability to compensate for losses in such a relevant market with growth in other destinations is a sign of maturity and strategic planning. Diversification, with 130 countries increasing their purchases from January to September, has proven to be the primary tool for mitigating risks and ensuring stability.
European Union: A High-Value Market
In addition to China, another important player in the September results was the European Union. The bloc positioned itself as the second largest destination for Brazilian beef in the month, with revenues totaling US$ 131.7 million, a leap of 106% compared to September 2024. The volume shipped also grew significantly, reaching 15,322 tons, an increase of 83%. Countries such as Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain led European imports.
The major differentiator of the European market, however, is the remuneration for the product. According to data from Abrafrigo reported by Forbes, the average price paid by the EU reached US$ 8,739 per ton of fresh meat in September, a value considerably higher than other markets. This demonstrates that Brazil competes not only in volume but also in quality, meeting high-demand standards and adding more value to its production. Year-to-date, the EU is already the third largest buyer, with US$ 676 million in imports.
The reconfiguration of the global beef trade is in full swing, and Brazil is positioning itself as a central player in this new dynamic. The ability to navigate through trade tensions and meet various demand profiles, from the massive Chinese to the demanding European, has ensured a historic result that strengthens the entire production chain.
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