Brazil's beef exports to rise 12% by volume in 2025 despite US tariffs, Abiec says

By Marcela Ayres

BRASILIA, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Brazilian beef exporters are expected to increase sales volumes by 12% this year, Roberto Perosa, head of Brazil's beef lobby Abiec, told a press conference on Tuesday.

The outlook is positive for exporters like JBS JBSS3.SA, Marfrig MRFG3.SA and Minerva BEEF3.SA in spite of the imposition of a 50% tariff to sell beef products to the United States that took effect on Aug 6.

In the first half of 2025, the United States was the second largest destination for Brazilian beef exports behind China. Brazil shipped 181,477 tons to the United States in the period, equivalent to 12.3% of the country's total exports, according to Abiec data.

The United States processes Brazil's beef mainly to make hamburgers. Brazil's sales rose as a dearth of cattle in the U.S. depressed domestic beef output.

Abiec said it continues to push the Brazilian government to negotiate a removal of the new U.S. tariffs. Perosa said certain cuts may still be sold with the new tariff in place, but volumes will be significantly lower.

"From what I know, the government continues to try to negotiate. Many things are not public, but they are happening," Perosa said.

Brazil sold between 9,000 tons and 10,000 tons to the United States in August, Perosa said, adding that the full effect of the tariffs will be better gauged in September.

"I was there with American companies, meat import associations, they are all mobilized so that, once the political obstacle is overcome, negotiations can take place at the technical level," Perosa said.

While talks with the United States drag on, Brazilian exporters are keen to grow their share of the global trade by focusing on customers in Asia and Africa, where the world's population growth is faster than in the West, Perosa noted.

Brazil is currently in talks to sell beef in Japan and Turkey.

Last year, Brazil sold 2.89 million tons of beef to around 150 countries worth $12.9 billion. This year, Abiec expects a 14% rise in the value of Brazilian beef exports.