The international beef trade continues to be marked by strong supply scarcity, amid herd reductions in major supplier countries. In this scenario, beyond record beef exports, demand for live cattle for finishing and slaughter is also rising strongly in markets that, for religious or structural reasons, prefer importing live animals.
In January 2026, Brazil recorded the best monthly result in its history for live cattle exports. According to data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex), 170,400 head were shipped, up 107.4% from January 2025. In value terms, sales totaled US$ 208.7 million, representing year-on-year growth of 158.2%.
Turkey once again led the destination ranking with 67,300 head, followed by Iraq with 47,400.
The main exporting states were Pará, with 77,200 head, and Rio Grande do Sul, with 53,200.
Analysts expect export flows to continue expanding, supported by attractive prices for producers. In Pará, lean cattle destined for export traded at a value 15% higher than the domestic market, reinforcing the attractiveness of this channel as a commercial alternative.
Source: Terraviva.
