Brazil records another record pork export year
In 2025, Brazil recorded another pork export year. Shipments closed the year at a record 1.51 million tons, up 11.6% from 2024, according to data from the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).
As already projected in an earlier report reflecting on the first 3 quarters of 2025, that volume has indeed pushed Brazil past Canada to become the world’s 3rd-largest pork exporter. Now, only the European Union (EU-27), as a bloc, and the US ship more pork than Brazil.
Predominantly the finish of 2025 was strong. December exports reached 137,800 tons, a jump of 25.8% compared with the same month of 2024. Export revenues totalled US$ 3.62 billion for the year, an increase of 19.3%, reflecting both higher volumes and firmer international prices.
Trade diversification
Brazil’s growth was related to a strategy to diversify destinations, thus reducing exposure to a single dominant buyer. Just a few years ago, China alone accounted for over 50% of total shipments. Before that, until 2017, Russia alone was responsible for 40-50%.
ABPA president Ricardo Santin (pictured) commented, “There has been a significant reshaping of the export map. The Philippines captured the 1st place, while Japan and Chile have gained strategic relevance. This diversification reduces risk, expands opportunities and strengthens Brazil’s position in global pork trade.”
Volume and added value
Brazil’s growth remains primarily volume-driven, supported by competitive production costs, strong feed availability and efficiency of scale. The country is the largest producer of soybeans and the third biggest producer of corn. Brazil is home to large integrations (e.g., JBS and MBRF) and cooperatives (e.g., Aurora and LAR).
Despite having a relevant internal market (210 million people), these resources generate surpluses in volume and prices.
Brazil is seeking to move up the value chain by targeting higher-value markets. Value-added cuts growth have accelerated. Demanding markets like Japan and Chile pay premiums for traceability, animal health and processing standards. In 2025, export revenues grew faster than volumes, signalling improving price realisation and a more balanced trade portfolio.
Mexico and the EU
Two developments could shape Brazil’s pork trade in 2026. In Mexico, the renewal of the government’s anti-inflation programme removed the temporary tariff exemption for pork, reinstating an import duty of around 16%.
While this reduces competitiveness, ABPA says it does not make trade impossible. Brazil’s shipments to Mexico rose more than 70% between January and November 2025, reaching 74,000 tons.
In Europe, the Mercosur-EU free trade agreement may create, for the first time, a preferential tariff quota for Mercosur pork exports. The final quota will reach 25,000 tons per year, with an in-quota tariff of €83 per ton, far below the out-of-quota rate of up to €1,400 per ton.
Currently, Mercosur exports low volumes to the EU. Alone, Brazil shipped 22,500 in 2024.
Implementation will be phased in over 6 years, subject to the conclusion of sanitary approval procedures.
Optimism for 2026
For 2026, Brazil enters the year with strong fundamentals: expanding production capacity, continued investment in genetics and biosecurity, and a more diversified export base. Prices may suffer during the 1st quarter, but the trade is supported by resilient Asian demand and tighter global offer due to African Swine Fever (ASF).
Marcelo Lopes is the president of the Brazilian Association of Pig Breeders (ABCS). He explained that pork production is expected to continue growing in 2026, although likely limited to no more than 4% compared with 2025. He explained, “Exports are expected to grow by around 3% year-on-year. After all, domestic availability can increase by over 4%, which could put downward pressure on farmgate prices. However, supply and demand must be analysed not only for pork, but also for other meats.”
Capacity expansion is ongoing, particularly in southern Brazil, where most export-oriented processing plants are located.
The projections are based on the assumption of relative normality, assuming that no major health issues or geopolitical issues will disrupt exports.
Lopes concluded, “In short, even in a more challenging scenario than in 2025, 2026 is expected to be a favourable year for pork production, with strong price competitiveness, especially in relation to beef.”
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