The European Union was the highest-paying destination for Mato Grosso beef exports during the first half of 2026. According to Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex) data compiled by the Mato Grosso Meat Institute (Imac), the European bloc paid up to 40% higher than those offered by other major markets, consolidating its position as the highest-value destination for the state’s beef.
Although China remained by far the leading buyer in volume terms, the average price paid by the European Union was considerably higher. In February, for example, the bloc paid an average of US$6,082 per ton, compared with US$4,206 per ton paid by China and US$4,481 per ton by Middle Eastern countries.
While the European Union accounts for a smaller share of the state’s export volume, the market stands out for its ability to pay premiums for products subject to stricter sanitary, quality and sustainability requirements.
According to Imac, the price differential confirms the strategic importance of diversifying export destinations and strengthening access to premium markets. The institute stressed that meeting European Union standards allows exporters to capture greater value per ton and improve the profitability of Mato Grosso’s beef supply chain.
Brazil risks being excluded from the EU market for at least two years because it does not comply with requirements to ensure that imported beef comes from animals that were not treated with growth promoters at any stage of their lives.
