Brazilian beef exports resilient despite Middle East tensions
Brazilian beef exporters are reporting limited disruption from the conflict in Iran, even as the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz forces some rerouting and higher logistics costs, Reuters reported.
Industry group Abrafrigo said Brazil, the world’s largest beef exporter, has redirected shipments to markets including the US, the European Union, Chile, and Russia. Tighter global cattle supplies are supporting demand, cushioning the sector from Middle East instability.
China’s safeguard measures on beef imports are also affecting the market, restricting access to a 1.1-million-ton quota at lower tariffs, with higher duties applied above that threshold.
In the first two months of 2026, Brazil’s exports of fresh and processed beef, including offal and byproducts, rose 39% in value to $2.865 billion (€2.77 billion) and 22% in volume to 557,240 tons, Abrafrigo reported.
