Brazil’s cattle slaughter under inspection (federal, stadual or municipal) totaled 10.29 million head in the first quarter of 2026, up 3.3% from the same period last year, according to IBGE data, reflecting continued strong cattle availability despite signs of a shifting cycle.
Beef production reached 2.63 million tons carcass weight, an increase of 5.1% year-on-year, supported by higher slaughter volumes and heavier carcass weights. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, however, slaughter fell 6.8% and beef production declined 10.2%, reflecting normal seasonal adjustments.
Meanwhile, raw cattle hide purchases by Brazilian tanneries totaled 10.76 million units, unchanged from the first quarter of 2025 but down 3.3% from the previous quarter.
