Brazilian beef exports rise 9% in the first half

Brazilian beef exports (fresh and processed) grew 9% in the first half of 2020 to 909,725 tons, compared to the same period in 2019, the Brazilian Association of Refrigerators (Abrafrigo) reported on Monday (6). In revenue, there was a 26% jump to $3.9 billion. In June alone, Brazil sold 172,361 tons, a 28% increase against the same month in 2019 and a record amount for the period. The highlight in exports, as it has been since 2019, remains China. The Asian country was responsible for moving 57% of Brazilian beef exports. Mainland China alone imported 365,126 tonnes in the half year (+148% compared to 2019), while Hong Kong imported 154,312 tonnes (-10.5%). This market alone moved 519,438 tons. In revenue, China's share is even higher: $2.37 billion (60.5% of the total). After China, Egypt was the largest importer of Brazilian beef in the first half, buying 55,750 tons (-30% compared to 2019). Chile is in third place with 34,062 tons (-33%), followed by Russia (33,249 tons, +5.5%); Saudi Arabia (24,571 tons, +19.7%) and the United States (20,108 tons, +18.5%). In total, 78 countries increased their movement of the Brazilian product while another 84 added.