Brazilian beef exports and turnover fall in first quarter 2023

Brazilian beef exports and turnover fell by 8 and 22 percent, respectively, in the first quarter compared to the first three months of last year, the Brazilian Association of Slaughterhouses (Abrafrigo) reported yesterday.

According to the entity, Brazil, the world’s second-largest beef producer and largest global exporter, shipped 498,888 tons of beef between January and March, compared to 542,410 tons in the same period in 2022, while turnover this year through March was $2.255 billion, down from $2.895 billion a year earlier.

China was the main destination for Brazilian beef in the first quarter, with exports of 228,235 tons that accounted for a turnover of US$1.118 billion.

In total, 69 countries increased their purchases of Brazilian beef, and 75 reduced them, according to Abrafrigo.

In March, Brazil exported 162,814 tons of beef, 20 percent less than in the same month last year, which accounted for a turnover of US$709.4 million, 27 percent lower than the revenues in March 2022.

According to Abrafrigo, the temporary suspension of Chinese purchases due to a case of mad cow disease recorded in Brazil caused a decrease in exports and turnover last month.