Brazil Ships Over 411,800 Head of Cattle as Live Cattle Exports Hit Record High

Brazil is solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading exporters of live cattle. In the first five months of 2025 alone, more than 411,800 head of cattle were shipped abroad — nearly double the volume exported in the same period in 2024. The latest data from Scot Consultoria shows that May, in particular, posted a historic performance: 111,100 animals were sent overseas, marking the highest monthly volume so far this year and the second-best May on record, trailing only 2018, when 112,700 head were exported.

According to Scot, “May’s results confirm that Brazil is firmly positioned in the live cattle export market. We are capable of meeting various demand profiles.” The consultancy also estimates that by the third week of June, around 45,200 cattle had been shipped, with 27,900 in the third week alone — an indication that the pace remains strong.

Pará Leads, Rio Grande do Sul Gains Prominence

The state of Pará led May exports with 61,200 head, closely followed by Rio Grande do Sul with 44,800. While Pará mainly ships to countries like Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Morocco, Rio Grande do Sul stood out as a supplier to Turkey, which purchased 51,100 animals — 41,000 of which came from the southern state.

These exports reflect not only volume but also Brazil’s ability to meet diverse demands, ranging from heavier cattle to feeder animals for fattening abroad.

May Revenue Tops USD 100 Million

Economically, live cattle exports in May generated USD 104.8 million, with Turkey accounting for USD 42.1 million of this total. Other key destinations included:

• Lebanon: USD 18.4 million
• Morocco: USD 16.6 million
• Iraq: USD 14.5 million
• Egypt: USD 11.2 million
• Jordan: USD 1.9 million

How Much Are Importers Paying?

Price variations per kilogram and per head reflect the differing market profiles of each product. Iraq paid the highest per-kilogram price (R$18.31/kg) for cattle sourced from Rio Grande do Sul. Next came Morocco (R$16.75/kg) for cattle from Tocantins and Turkey (R$16.58/kg) for animals shipped from Pará.

In terms of price per head, the highest payments were for shipments from Pará to Morocco (R$7,265.18) and to Lebanon (R$6,611.54). The heaviest animals also came from Pará, especially those bound for Morocco, with an average weight of 529.3 kg per animal.

Meanwhile, cattle shipped from Rio Grande do Sul were the lightest, averaging between 306 and 322 kg. According to Scot, this “suggests a market profile focused on fattening in the destination country.”

Potential for a New Record in 2025

Given the current performance and strong pace since the beginning of the year, 2025 has the potential to surpass the record of 1 million head exported in 2024. Scot notes, “At the current pace, 2025 could match — or even exceed — the record performance of 2024.”

The outlook is promising for Brazilian livestock farming, which continues to diversify its markets, meet varying demands, and add value to its herds through live cattle exports — a complementary avenue to the country’s strong presence in the in natura beef export market.

Source: Compre Rural

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