By Jamie Martin
Brazil’s beef industry is transitioning from bulk commodity exports to high-value, premium beef sales. A major turning point came in June 2025 when Brazil earned official recognition as free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination. This opened opportunities in premium markets such as Japan and South Korea. A Japanese delegation visited soon after, and an agreement with Vietnam quickly followed.
Brazil’s market reach extended beyond Asia. In May 2025 alone, it shipped 175 million pounds of beef to the U.S.—five times the volume of May 2024. This surge helped Brazilian exports more than double year-to-date, contributing to a 60% jump in U.S. beef imports.
In July, the U.S. placed a 50% tariff on Brazilian beef, which, combined with existing duties, brought the total rate to 76.4%. This led Brazil’s largest exporters—Minerva, JBS, and Naturafrig—to suspend U.S. sales and redirect supply toward Asian and Middle Eastern buyers. Industry forecasts suggest losses could exceed $1 billion in the year’s second half.
The U.S. also opened a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trade practices. While many products were exempted from tariffs, beef remained subject to the higher duties.
At the same time, the U.S. expanded its own trade presence in Asia, securing new beef export agreements with Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. American beef continues to lead in quality and brand trust across the region.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National