Brazilian pork exports continue to surge

The export of Brazilian pork is rising strongly. Brazilian pork is being shipped to a growing range of destinations due to its competitive pricing. This strengthens Brazil's position as the main competitor to European pork exporters on the global market.Exports from the country rose by 9% in May compared with last year. According to the Brazilian industry association for animal proteins ABPA, Brazil exported 129,400 tons of pork in May, including fresh and processed products. That is the highest export volume ever for the month of May. Export value also reached record levels. Export revenues increased by 3.8% year-on-year to $302.1 million, from $291.2 million in May 2025.Over the first five months of 2026, Brazilian pork exports also remain at a historically high level. From January through May, a total of 661,700 tons were exported, an increase of 13.1% compared with 584,800 tons in the same period last year. Export value increased by 11.9% in that period from $1.382 billion to $1.546 billion.Exports to China fall by a quarterNot only did volume and value grow in May, Brazil also managed to further diversify exports. The composition of export destinations changed significantly. Several Asian markets recorded sharp declines. Exports to China fell again in May, by 25.9% to 8,900 tons. In addition, exports to Vietnam fell to 4,600 tons (-14.2%) and to Singapore to 4,100 tons (-50.5%). The Philippines remained by far the largest buyer of Brazilian pork, although volumes were 3.8% lower year-on-year at 27,200 tons.Exports to Japan rise sharplyIn contrast, there was enormous growth in exports to Japan, where imports increased by 83.2% to 15,200 tons. The country became Brazil's second-largest export market. Mexico also recorded a solid increase of 20.4% to 8,600 tons. Hong Kong (+13.8%) and Argentina (+13.7%) also showed clear gains. Chile remained the third-largest market. Exports there remained stable at 10,900 tons (-0.1%).