SÃO PAULO — Brazil’s beef industry is capitalizing on shifting global trade patterns as China reduces imports from the United States, positioning itself to strengthen its role as the world’s largest exporter. Analysts say geopolitical tensions and changing consumer demands are reshaping Asia’s agricultural import landscape.
China imported $7.8 billion worth of Brazilian beef in 2023, accounting for 47% of the country’s total exports. This comes as African swine fever outbreaks in recent years drove China’s protein demand upward, while US-China trade disputes created openings for alternative suppliers.
"Brazil’s competitive pricing and expanded production capacity make it a natural partner for China’s growing middle class," said Marcos Alves, a São Paulo-based agribusiness analyst at Rabobank. Domestic beef production in Brazil is projected to rise 3% this year to 11.3 million metric tons.
However, sustainability concerns linger. A 2023 report by Global Witness linked some Brazilian suppliers to deforestation in the Amazon, prompting calls from environmental groups for stricter oversight. The Chinese mainland’s customs authority has not publicly addressed these concerns but maintains rigorous food safety checks for imported meat.
For investors, the shift signals opportunities in South America’s logistics and cold-chain infrastructure. The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) reports a 15% increase in processing facility investments since 2022, targeting efficiency gains for Asian markets.
