Brazil Beef Processing Surges 13.1% to 42.3M Head in 2025 Amid Robust Chinese Demand

Brazil's cattle slaughtering in Q4 2025 rose 13.1% from the same period in 2024, preliminary data from the Brazilian census bureau shows. If confirmed, 2025 totals will reach 42.3 million head, a record, as strong Chinese demand accelerated processing and positioned Brazil ahead of the U.S. as the world's largest beef producer. January trade数据显示, Brazil shipped $650 million worth of beef to China, 45% higher than a year earlier. Brazil sold 232,000 metric tonnes of fresh beef in 2025, generating nearly $1.3 billion, with China accounting for about half of Brazil's beef exports by value and volume. China's import quotas for Brazilian beef will increase tariffs on excess supplies, prompting discussions within Brazil on assigning quotas proportionally to prior exports to manage supply and prices. China will exempt 1.106 million metric tons from additional tariffs this year, equivalent to roughly 92,000 tons per month, down from nearly 140,000 tons in 2025.