Brazilian beef expands into Japan as export market grows

BRAZIL – Brazilian beef is set to enter the Japanese market in the coming months, with industry leaders pushing for broader access.

Roberto Perosa, president of the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec) and former Secretary of Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), is leading efforts to finalize Japan’s acceptance of Brazilian meat.

Perosa will travel to Japan on February 8, accompanied by business representatives, to meet with the country’s Minister of Agriculture and discuss the remaining certification requirements.

Negotiations with Japan are progressing, and Perosa hopes to see positive signals from the Japanese government by March.

Beyond Japan, the Brazilian beef sector is targeting three other key markets—Turkey, Vietnam, and South Korea—which together account for 30% of global beef demand.

Talks with Turkey and Vietnam are nearing completion, while discussions with South Korea are moving at a slower pace.

Despite this, Perosa remains optimistic that exports to the first three countries could begin soon.

Beef exports outlook

Brazil’s beef exports reached a record high in 2024, with 2.89 million tons shipped, marking a 26% increase from the previous year.

Data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services (MDIC), compiled by Abiec, show that these exports generated US$12.8 billion, a 22% rise from 2023.

The beef industry contributed significantly to Brazil’s trade surplus, which stood at US$74.6 billion in 2024.

China remained the top importer, purchasing 1.33 million tons for US$6 billion.

The United States followed with 229,000 tons valued at US$1.35 billion.

Other major buyers included the United Arab Emirates with 132,000 tons worth US$604 million, the European Union with 82,300 tons at US$602 million, Chile with 110,000 tons for US$533 million, and Hong Kong with 116,000 tons valued at US$388 million.

Among the 15 largest buyers, which accounted for over 90% of total export revenue, all saw an increase in shipments compared to the previous year.

Algeria, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, the United States, Russia, and Israel recorded the highest growth.

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