The president of Abiec, Roberto Perosa, confirmed to CNN Brasil that he will be part of the presidential mission that will visit India and South Korea starting on February 17, with the aim of advancing the opening of new markets. South Korea, with a population of 52 million, is seen as a strategic destination for Brazilian beef. “We export to more than 177 countries. Almost every country in the world consumes Brazilian beef,” Perosa said.
The executive also highlighted the long-awaited access to the Japanese market, whose definitive opening could be completed after a sanitary mission visits the country in March to audit slaughter plants. While acknowledging that the current context is marked by caution following the safeguard imposed by China, he maintained that 2026 is shaping up to be a year of opportunities. He also mentioned progress on the Mercosur–EU agreement and the consolidation of the US market as key factors.
Perosa stressed that there is a global shortage of beef production and pointed to Brazil as the country best positioned to meet that demand. “The United States has the lowest production in 70 years. Where can beef be produced with sustainability and animal health? In Brazil,” he said.
In March, the Brazilian Beef campaign will arrive in the United States, Brazil’s second-largest customer, which imported 271 thousand tons in 2025 despite the tariff. For 2026, Abiec projects exports above 400 thousand tons to the US market, consolidating its diversification and expansion strategy amid a scenario of restrictions in China.
