Brazilian beef exports fell 27.1 percent in volume in August compared to the same month in 2025, as per data released Friday (Sep. 4) by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services.

In value terms, the decline was 19.7 percent, with USD 1.2 billion exported during the month, compared to USD 1.5 billion a year earlier.

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The decline comes after the foreign purchase quota set by China was reached. China limits the volume of meat that can enter the country to 1.106 million metric tons without the imposition of an additional 55 percent tariff.

The quota

According to Herlon Brandão, director for statistics and foreign trade studies at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Services, the reduction in shipments had been expected as the limit set by China drew closer.

Despite the monthly decline, year-to-date performance for 2026 remains positive. From January through August, Brazil’s total exports of chilled and frozen meat grew 4.7 percent in volume and 22.3 percent in value compared to the same period last year.

Sales to Asia

China also influenced the overall performance of Brazilian exports to Asia. In August, shipments to the continent fell 19.2 percent compared to the same month in 2025. In value terms, the decline was 10.9 percent.

From January through August, however, the picture was different – Brazilian exports to Asia rose 15 percent in value and 3.3 percent in volume.