Brazilian beef exports keep growing in march

Brazilian beef exports maintained their momentum in March, as well as over the entire first quarter of the year. The South American country exported considerably more to most of its main markets. Especially strong sales to the EU are notable.In March 2026, Brazil’s beef exports totaled 270,764 tonnes and $1,482.47 million in value, with an average price of $5.48 per tonne. Compared to March 2025, when exports reached 248,243 tonnes and $1,176.73 million, this represents an increase of 9.1% in volume and a significantly stronger 26.0% increase in value. The average price also rose from $4.74 to $5.48 per tonne, marking a 15.6% increase, indicating that growth was driven not only by higher volumes but also by firmer pricing.In the first quarter of 2026, Brazil’s beef exports reached 801,925 tonnes, generating a combined value of $4,328.81 million, with an average price of $5.40 per tonne. Compared to the same period in 2025, when exports totaled 677,417 tonnes and $3,222.59 million, this represents an 18.4% increase in volume and a stronger 34.3% rise in value. This solid quarterly performance reflects sustained global demand, led by China, and continued support from a diverse range of secondary markets, helping maintain both volume and value growth across the export portfolio.aChina remains the most important export destination In March 2026, Brazil’s beef exports were once again strongly led by China, which imported 105,426 tonnes at a value of $603.10 million. Volumes were up 8.5%, while value increased by 30.1% compared to March 2025. The first quarter volume reached 335,279 tonnes. That is an increase of 17.8% compared to the first quarter of 2025. The total value increased by 34.5% to approximately $1.8 billion.Hong Kong showed similar growth, with March imports at 9,406 tonnes ($37.14 million), increasing by 6.7% in volume and 25.2% in value. First quarter totals reached 25,461 tonnes ($100.43 million), reflecting a 4.3% increase in volume and a 12.3% increase in value, indicating stable demand.Meanwhile, against recent trends, exports to the US were down in March. The United States imported 38,127 tonnes, a decline of 9.5%. However, the value was still up 5.7% to $238.47 million. In the first quarter, total import volumes were still up by 33.4%, reaching 107,418 tonnes. The export value for the period increased by 35.2% to $682.56 million compared to the first quarter of the previous year.Exports to the EU thrive The European Union continued to show solid growth, importing 11,215 tonnes valued at $92.33 million in March, representing a 27.3% increase in volume and a 46.9% increase in value compared to the same month last year. Over the first quarter, imports reached 32,420 tonnes ($264.20 million), marking a 16.4% rise in volume and a 31.1% rise in value, confirming steady expansion in demand.Russia also posted particularly strong gains. March imports reached 10,397 tonnes ($45.72 million), up 27.5% in volume and 36.9% in value, while first quarter volumes surged to 33,939 tonnes, a sharp 77.6% increase. Value rose by 89.5% to $148.61 million.Mexico also recorded robust growth, importing 8,032 tonnes ($46.61 million) in March, up 39.0% in volume and 55.7% in value. Quarterly totals reached 18,374 tonnes ($105.33 million), a 38.1% increase in volume and a 46.6% increase in value.Results in the Middle East were mixed Israel showed a clear decline. March volumes fell by 9.1% to 4,548 tonnes, although value increased by 8.5% to $31.52 million, suggesting stronger pricing. Over the quarter, volumes were slightly lower at 11,728 tonnes (down 6.2%), while value rose by 18.8% to $80.01 million.Egypt, by contrast, delivered strong growth. March imports reached 7,596 tonnes ($30.97 million), up 6.9% in volume and 8.7% in value. Quarterly performance was even stronger, with volumes rising by 36.0% to 25,387 tonnes and value increasing by 87.6% to $104.92 million, highlighting a sharp increase in demand.Strong South American results Closer to home, Brazil also performed well. Chile maintained strong momentum, with March imports totaling 15,273 tonnes at $88.55 million, up 37.7% in volume and 51.2% in value year on year. For the first quarter, volumes climbed to 39,040 tonnes, a 16.9% increase, while value rose by 28.5% to $224.48 million, reinforcing Chile’s position as a key growth market.Uruguay rounded out the top ten with one of the strongest performances among smaller markets. March imports reached 4,531 tonnes ($25.67 million), up 44.8% in volume and 66.3% in value, while first quarter totals climbed to 11,294 tonnes ($64.34 million), representing a 27.3% increase in volume and a 52.2% increase in value.