In May 2024, Brazil exported 240,622 tons of beef. It was the second consecutive month of a record in exported volume, which generated a sum of US$ 1.056 billion. The data was released this Thursday afternoon (06), by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC). According to the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec), which compiles and analyzes official information, compared to the previous month, the volume shipped increased by 1.4% and revenue grew by 1.2%. Highlights of the period include exports to the United States, which grew by 64.6%, reaching 13,186 tons, driven by the increase in shipments of fresh meat, which more than doubled between April and May. Revenue from exports to the North American market was US$ 83.4 million, an increase of 52.1%, compared to the previous month.
Shipments to Chile also grew in May. 10,414 tons were shipped, 21.9% more than in April. Revenue reached US$ 50.8 million, 23.7% higher than the previous month. Even if discreet (+7.5% in volume and +3.5% in revenue), there was an increase in shipments to the European Union in May, reaching 6,961 tons, which represented revenue of US$ 48.8 million. Shipments of fresh meat, the main product exported to this market, showed an increase, with average prices around US$ 7,520/tonne.
In Saudi Arabia, the volume of beef imported from Brazil also increased in May. Compared to April, the increase was 16.7%, reaching 6,807 tons. Furthermore, revenue increased by 14.1%, reaching US$ 33 million.
China remains the main destination for Brazilian meat, accounting for 98,243 tons in May, a volume slightly lower than the previous month, when the country exported 101,365 tons, but maintaining the average of around 100 thousand tons per month. The average price for this market remains practically stable at US$ 4,451/tonne.
Accumulated from January to May 2024 – beef
In the first five months of 2024, Brazil exported around 277 thousand tons more than in the same period in 2023, reaching 1.07 million tons. On the other hand, revenue increased by around US$ 943 million, reaching US$ 4.73 billion.
In fact, shipments to China grew significantly during this period. Shipment volume increased by 25%, reaching 473,715 tons compared to the previous 377,418 tons. Furthermore, revenue grew by 10.9%, evolving from US$1.9 billion to US$2.11 billion in relation to 2023.
Growth was also significant in shipments to the United Arab Emirates. From 22,703 tons in 2023 to 85,488 tons in 2024, with revenues from US$101.14 million to US$393.5 million. The increase occurred not only to meet the country's own demand, but also due to the fact that the United Arab Emirates is increasingly functioning as a hub of exports to other markets, especially Iran.
A similar situation occurs with shipments to Turkey. Currently, the country will be the destination for 20,388 tons of Brazilian beef in 2024, compared to the 1,951 tons recorded last year. Furthermore, Turkey has been a route for final shipments to Iran, given the operational difficulties of direct exports to the Iranian market.
“In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) and ApexBrasil, we have maintained the work of strengthening our markets, diversifying products, as well as negotiating for better commercial opportunities and articulation against possible barriers that could prevent the maintenance or advancement of Brazilian beef exports”, states the executive president of Abiec, Antônio Jorge Camardelli.
Source: Notícias Agrícolas
