Brazil’s live cattle exports are growing at a rapid pace and could reach the highest volume in history in 2025, according to data from the MDIC compiled by Agrifatto. In September, 137,170 head were shipped —the second-highest monthly figure— generating US$ 147.9 million in revenue, with an average of US$/@ 76.32. So far this year, Brazil has exported 788,410 animals, up 16% compared with the same period in 2024.
According to Agrifatto’s economist and CEO, Lygia Pimentel, if this trend continues, the country will end the year with 1.5 million head shipped abroad, driven by strong demand from the Middle East and North Africa. Turkey, Iraq, Morocco, and Egypt account for about 80% of exports, a figure that approaches 100% when including Saudi Arabia.
The state of Pará leads shipments with 59.6% of the total through September, followed by Rio Grande do Sul (22.4%) and São Paulo (5.1%), favored by their proximity to ports, especially Santarém. Pimentel highlighted that the high competitiveness of the Brazilian finished male —currently the cheapest in the world— supports the export pace, with an external average value of US$/@ 76 compared with US$/@ 57 in the domestic market.
Even with the recent surge, live animal exports remain marginal within Brazilian cattle production, representing only 3.6% of total slaughter. Meanwhile, the state of Rio de Janeiro is evaluating launching pilot live-cattle exports from the Port of Açu to diversify markets and strengthen regional livestock activity.
Source: Estadão
