China’s quota lowers Brazil’s beef exports by 27.1% in August

Brazilian beef exports saw a significant drop of 27.1% in volume during August compared to the same period in 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services on September 4. In value terms, the exports decreased by 19.7%, with a total of USD 1.2 billion being exported, down from USD 1.5 billion in the previous year.

The decline is attributed to China's foreign purchase quota, which was reached, limiting the volume of meat that could enter the country to 1.106 million metric tons without incurring an additional 55% tariff. Despite the monthly decline, the year-to-date performance for 2026 remains positive, with Brazilian exports of chilled and frozen meat growing 4.7% in volume and 22.3% in value from January to August 2026 compared to the same period in the previous year.

However, sales to Asia were also affected, with shipments to the continent falling 19.2% in August compared to the same month in 2025, and a 10.9% decrease in value. Nonetheless, from January to August, Brazilian exports to Asia rose by 15% in value and 3.3% in volume.