Brazil Is a Global Leader in Animal Protein and Exports Billions in Meat, But Needs to Import About 45% of the Wheat Consumed Internally to Supply the Market, According to Data from Secex

Written by Valdemar Medeiros

Published on 16/09/2025 at 10:22

Foto: Brasil é líder global em proteína animal e exporta bilhões em carne, mas precisa importar cerca de 45% do trigo consumido internamente para abastecer o mercado, segundo dados da Secex

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Even as a Leader in Meat, Brazil Produces Only Half of the Wheat It Consumes and Imports About 6.8 Million Tons, Says Secex.

Brazil occupies a prominent position in the global meat market. In 2024, 2.3 million tons of beef were exported, generating revenue exceeding US$ 10 billion, according to data from Abrafrigo. Chicken meat reached over 5 million tons exported, consolidating Brazil as the world’s largest exporter. Pork recorded over 1.1 million tons shipped, with a strong presence in the Asian market.

These numbers solidify the country as one of the largest suppliers of animal protein in international trade, with a significant impact on the trade balance.

Wheat Production and Consumption in Brazil

The annual consumption of wheat in Brazil is around 12 to 13 million tons, according to the National Supply Company (Conab).

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Origin of Wheat Imports

The majority of wheat imported by Brazil comes from neighboring Mercosur countries:

Argentina: responsible for over 80% of the supply.
Paraguay and Uruguay: complementary suppliers.
United States and Canada: participate in smaller volumes, mainly during times of crop failures in Argentina.

Brazil exports hundreds of millions of tons of soybeans to China and moves billions in foreign currency, but spends over US$ 2 billion annually on Chinese pesticides, revealing a cycle of dependence that threatens the foundation of agribusiness, according to OEC

This regional concentration shows that Brazil relies heavily on Argentina to balance its internal wheat demand.

Impact of Imports on Supply

Imports account for about 45% of the wheat consumed in Brazil, according to the latest data from Secex. This percentage varies depending on the performance of domestic harvests, which can be affected by climatic factors, such as frosts in the southern part of the country.

This situation makes Brazil one of the largest global importers of wheat, even as it is an agricultural powerhouse in other crops, such as soybeans and corn.

Perspectives for Wheat Cultivation in Brazil

Research projects led by Embrapa have sought to expand wheat production into new areas, such as the Cerrado. Varieties adapted to tropical climates and irrigation technologies could increase the planted area, partially reducing dependence on imports.

However, experts point out that the country is unlikely to achieve full self-sufficiency in the cereal due to climatic limitations in much of the national territory.

Brazilian Agricultural Trade Balance

While Brazil records billion-dollar surpluses from exports of meat, soybeans, corn, and iron ore, it maintains deficits in specific products, such as wheat. This dynamic reinforces the role of imports as an essential element to ensure internal supply.

According to Secex, in 2024 Brazil exported nearly 200 million tons of soybeans and corn, while having to import 6.8 million tons of wheat to meet national consumption.

Brazil Is a Global Leader in Animal Protein and Exports Billions in Meat, But Needs to Import About 45% of the Wheat Consumed Internally to Supply the Market, According to Data from Secex

Even as a Leader in Meat, Brazil Produces Only Half of the Wheat It Consumes and Imports About 6.8 Million Tons, Says Secex.

Wheat Production and Consumption in Brazil

Origin of Wheat Imports

Impact of Imports on Supply

Perspectives for Wheat Cultivation in Brazil

Brazilian Agricultural Trade Balance

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Brazil Is a Global Leader in Animal Protein and Exports Billions in Meat, But Needs to Import About 45% of the Wheat Consumed Internally to Supply the Market, According to Data from Secex

Even as a Leader in Meat, Brazil Produces Only Half of the Wheat It Consumes and Imports About 6.8 Million Tons, Says Secex.

Wheat Production and Consumption in Brazil

Origin of Wheat Imports

Impact of Imports on Supply

Perspectives for Wheat Cultivation in Brazil

Brazilian Agricultural Trade Balance

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