Live Cattle Exports Rise in Brazil in 2025

Brazil is exporting more live cattle, also known as “cattle on the hoof,” according to federal government data. From January to April this year—the most recent figures available—shipment volumes reached 118,220 metric tons, generating revenue of US$286.55 million. In the same period in 2024, exports totaled 57,370 metric tons, with revenue of US$125.86 million.

Throughout 2024, shipments totaled 365,840 metric tons—an 84% increase compared to the previous year’s 198,890 tons. Exporter revenue rose by 69.75%, from US$488.65 million to US$829.55 million.

According to Scot Consultoria, the volume exported in the first four months of 2025 is equivalent to 300,600 head of cattle. From January to April 2024, the figure was 145,500. Alcides Torres, the firm’s director, notes that exports are strong and average prices have risen. This year, prices are around R$360 per arroba (approx. 15 kg); last year, they averaged R$300.

Expectations are to close 2025 with 1.5 million head exported, says Torres, based on insights from industry representatives. “If this projection is confirmed, it would place the volume among the highest in history, offering returns to producers and adding another outlet for Brazil’s cattle industry,” he says.

Arab and Muslim countries dominate this market segment, serving as the primary destinations for these products. Iraq leads the list, followed by Turkey (not an Arab nation but with strong Muslim influence) and Egypt. Also among the top importers are Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Iran (another non-Arab Muslim-majority country), and Pakistan.

Some of these buyers are also top importers of Brazilian beef. Egypt, for instance, ranks third. Hong Kong, the second-largest importer of Brazilian meat, ranks 17th in live cattle imports based on 2024 values.

Mohammad Mourad, Secretary-General and Vice President of International Relations at the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB), attributes the trade’s momentum to a diverse customer base. Some companies prefer to resell meat under the exporter’s brand, while others opt to slaughter the cattle and market the meat under their label.

Mourad notes that part of the demand for live cattle is linked to halal production, which adheres to Islamic religious principles and traditions. A comprehensive set of rules must be observed, from the animal’s place of origin to the distribution of meat to consumers.

“Importers of live cattle see an opportunity to add value and increase profit margins in their markets. It’s closely tied to halal slaughter. They handle transport and processing in accordance with religious guidelines,” he explains.

Juan Lebron, Director of International Relations at the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders (ABCZ), acknowledges that live cattle make up a small share of Brazil’s total beef exports. However, he highlights several advantages for the country and producers.

“When you have a single production system that outputs either beef or live cattle, every exported animal reduces pressure on the domestic market. In theory, this helps improve prices for producers,” Lebron says.

He cites beef production in the state of Pará as an example. Prices for finished cattle in Pará often diverged from other key trading regions in the country. The export of live cattle through Pará’s ports has helped reduce those pricing disparities.

“While live cattle exports don’t have enough volume to strongly impact the overall market, they contribute. The outflow helps improve cattle prices for beef exports,” he adds.

Live cattle exports also play a role in genetic improvement. In addition to semen and embryos, live animals are shipped abroad to enhance herd quality and productivity. While sending a live animal is relatively more expensive than exporting genetic material, some buyers still prefer it.

“Because of logistics and cost, live cattle may represent a smaller market compared to semen and embryos, but there is demand. It’s a complementary segment in cattle genetics,” says Lebron.

In late April, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture announced that Turkey had approved the import of live cattle for reproduction. The potential market is valued at R$300 million. This expands Brazil’s access to the Turkish market, which already imports live cattle for slaughter.

“Some markets that buy live cattle for slaughter also import females for herd repopulation or breeding to boost local production,” explains the ABCZ executive.

Animal Welfare

Live cattle exports, defended by the livestock sector, continue to face criticism from animal welfare organizations. In February, the issue returned to the courts. The Federal Regional Court of the 3rd Region (TRF3) ruled that exporting live cattle does not violate legislation nor constitutes animal cruelty. The decision overturned a lower court ruling.

The National Forum for the Protection and Defense of Animals filed the original lawsuit in 2023 and initially won. The federal government appealed, which suspended enforcement of the lower court decision pending a higher court ruling. TRF3 ultimately ruled in favor of live exports, stating that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the legislative branch, not the judiciary. The forum has announced plans to appeal.

Juan Lebron notes that environmental, sanitary, and animal welfare requirements for live cattle exports are becoming increasingly stringent, especially for animals destined for slaughter. “There’s a whole agenda that needs to be considered. It weighs heavily on the industry’s public image. Whether the trade is good or not is one issue; whether it’s worthwhile is another,” he observes.

For Minerva, one of Brazil’s leading beef exporters, the live cattle trade has become less relevant. In the company’s financial reports, revenue from live cattle sales was grouped under “other,” alongside businesses representing just 2% to 3% of total revenue.

Last year, Minerva announced it would exit the segment. “It’s a highly volatile business, and from a risk/return perspective, it no longer fits our strategy,” said Edson Ticle, the company’s Investor Relations Director at the time.

Source: Globo Rural

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