Brazil overtakes US as world’s largest beef producer
Brazil overtook the US to become the world’s largest beef producer in 2025, according to market estimates cited by Reuters, after output exceeded expectations and helped ease pressure on global meat prices.
Brazil was already the leading beef exporter, shipping meat worth almost $17 billion (€15.6 billion) last year, based on government data. Analysts have raised production estimates ahead of official figures due in February, citing higher slaughter driven by strong export demand from China and the US.
Industry sources said productivity gains are helping Brazil sustain output despite elevated slaughter. Faster insemination, wider feedlot use and younger slaughter ages are shortening production cycles. Average slaughter age has fallen to about 36 months, compared with five years a decade ago.
Consultancy Athenagro estimated Brazilian beef output rose about 4% in 2025, while US production fell 3.9% to 11.8 million tonnes, following prolonged drought. Analysts said higher efficiency could allow Brazil to expand output without significantly increasing herd size or pasture land, with implications for global supply and prices.
