GITNUXREPORT 2026

Brazil Beef Industry Statistics

Brazil's beef industry grew significantly in 2023, setting production and export records globally.

Jannik Lindner

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Domestic beef consumption in Brazil averaged 35.2 kg per capita in 2023.

Statistic 2

Brazil's retail beef price averaged BRL 38.50 per kg in 2023.

Statistic 3

Ground beef consumption in Brazil's food service sector increased 5% to 1.2 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 4

Per capita beef disappearance in Brazil was 42.8 kg carcass weight equivalent in 2023.

Statistic 5

São Paulo state consumed 1.5 million tons of beef domestically in 2023.

Statistic 6

Brazil's informal beef market accounted for 25% of total consumption at 2.5 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 7

Beef cuts like picanha saw a 15% price rise to BRL 55/kg in urban markets in 2023.

Statistic 8

Household beef expenditure represented 4.2% of average family budget in Brazil 2023 POF survey.

Statistic 9

Fast-food chains in Brazil sourced 800,000 tons of beef in 2023.

Statistic 10

Regional consumption highest in Centro-Oeste at 50 kg/capita in 2023.

Statistic 11

Domestic per capita beef consumption was 34.8 kg in Brazil 2022.

Statistic 12

Wholesale beef price averaged BRL 35/kg in 2022 Brazil markets.

Statistic 13

Institutional beef purchases totaled 900,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 14

Apparent beef consumption 41.5 kg/capita CW eq. 2022.

Statistic 15

Rio Grande do Sul consumed 950,000 tons beef domestically 2022.

Statistic 16

Shadow economy beef sales estimated 2.3 million tons 2022.

Statistic 17

Sirloin prices rose 20% to BRL 48/kg in 2022.

Statistic 18

Beef in family spending was 3.9% per IBGE 2022.

Statistic 19

QSR sector used 750,000 tons beef in Brazil 2022.

Statistic 20

North region consumption lowest at 28 kg/capita 2022.

Statistic 21

The beef industry employed 4.2 million people directly and indirectly in Brazil in 2023.

Statistic 22

Mato Grosso beef sector generated 450,000 formal jobs in 2023.

Statistic 23

Average salary in Brazil's beef processing plants was BRL 2,800/month in 2023.

Statistic 24

Women comprised 35% of workforce in Brazilian beef slaughterhouses in 2023.

Statistic 25

Beef industry contributed 8.5% to Brazil's agribusiness GDP in 2023.

Statistic 26

Rural beef production jobs totaled 2.1 million in Brazil's pasturelands 2023.

Statistic 27

Training programs reached 150,000 workers in beef supply chain via SENAR in 2023.

Statistic 28

Export-oriented beef plants employed 120,000 people in 2023.

Statistic 29

Youth employment (18-24) in beef sector rose 12% to 800,000 in 2023.

Statistic 30

Beef industry paid BRL 45 billion in wages and benefits across Brazil in 2023.

Statistic 31

Beef chain supported 4.1 million jobs in Brazil 2022.

Statistic 32

Rondônia beef jobs numbered 120,000 direct 2022.

Statistic 33

Processor wages averaged BRL 2,650/month 2022.

Statistic 34

Female employment in plants at 32% in 2022.

Statistic 35

Agribusiness GDP share from beef 8.2% 2022.

Statistic 36

Farm-level jobs 2 million in beef pastures 2022.

Statistic 37

SENAR trained 140,000 beef workers 2022.

Statistic 38

Packing plants jobs 115,000 for exports 2022.

Statistic 39

Under-25 jobs in sector 750,000 up 10% 2022.

Statistic 40

Total payroll BRL 42 billion beef industry 2022.

Statistic 41

Brazil exported 2.3 million tons of beef in 2023, a record high.

Statistic 42

China imported 1.1 million tons of Brazilian beef in 2023, accounting for 48% of total exports.

Statistic 43

Brazilian beef exports to the EU reached 100,000 tons in 2023 after quota increases.

Statistic 44

Average FOB price for Brazilian beef exports was USD 4,850 per ton in December 2023.

Statistic 45

Brazil shipped beef to 140 countries in 2023, maintaining its position as top global exporter.

Statistic 46

Frozen boneless beef exports from Brazil totaled 1.7 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 47

Beef export revenue for Brazil hit USD 11.2 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022.

Statistic 48

United States imported 280,000 tons of Brazilian beef in 2023 under TRQ limits.

Statistic 49

Brazil's beef exports grew 18% in volume to the Middle East markets in 2023.

Statistic 50

In 2023, Brazil exported 450,000 tons of beef to Southeast Asia, led by Philippines.

Statistic 51

Chile was the top South American destination for Brazilian beef with 120,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 52

Brazil's 2022 beef exports totaled 2.1 million tons.

Statistic 53

China took 42% of Brazil's beef exports at 880,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 54

EU beef imports from Brazil were 88,000 tons under Hilton Quota 2022.

Statistic 55

FOB beef price peaked at USD 5,200/ton for premium cuts Dec 2022.

Statistic 56

Brazil accessed 150 countries with beef shipments in 2022.

Statistic 57

Chilled beef exports surged 25% to 150,000 tons from Brazil 2022.

Statistic 58

Export earnings from beef reached USD 10 billion in 2022.

Statistic 59

US beef imports from Brazil hit 250,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 60

Egypt imported 200,000 tons Brazilian beef in 2022.

Statistic 61

Brazil produced 10.2 million metric tons of beef carcass weight equivalent in 2023, representing a 2.3% increase from 2022.

Statistic 62

Slaughter of cattle in Brazil reached 39.8 million heads in 2023, up 1.5% year-over-year.

Statistic 63

Mato Grosso state accounted for 28.4% of Brazil's total cattle slaughter in 2023 with 11.3 million heads.

Statistic 64

Average daily cattle slaughter in Brazil's federally inspected plants was 137,000 heads in 2023.

Statistic 65

Brazil's beef production per capita stood at 47.2 kg in 2023.

Statistic 66

Female cattle slaughter represented 52.1% of total slaughters in Brazil during 2023.

Statistic 67

Brazil's cattle herd size was estimated at 234.5 million heads at the end of 2023.

Statistic 68

Beef production in Goiás state reached 1.8 million tons in 2023, second highest in Brazil.

Statistic 69

Industrial beef yield from cattle slaughter averaged 53.4% in Brazil's SIF plants in 2023.

Statistic 70

Brazil produced 9.3 million tons of beef in 2022, up 4% from prior year.

Statistic 71

Cattle slaughter hit 39.2 million heads in Brazil 2022.

Statistic 72

Pará state slaughtered 4.1 million cattle in 2022, 10% of national total.

Statistic 73

Average cattle weight at slaughter was 520 kg in Brazil 2022.

Statistic 74

Male cattle slaughters dropped to 47.9% of total in Brazil 2022.

Statistic 75

National cattle inventory reached 233.1 million heads end-2022.

Statistic 76

Minas Gerais beef output was 1.4 million tons carcass equivalent 2022.

Statistic 77

Boneless beef yield from SIF plants averaged 52.8% in 2022.

Statistic 78

Brazil 2021 beef production 9.2 M tons CW.

Statistic 79

38.7 M cattle slaughtered Brazil 2021.

Statistic 80

Deforestation linked to beef expansion covered 1.2 million hectares in Legal Amazon 2023.

Statistic 81

75% of Brazil's beef production certified deforestation-free under ABIEC standards in 2023.

Statistic 82

Brazilian beef cattle emit 68 kg CO2e per kg beef, below global average of 99 kg.

Statistic 83

Pasture recovery programs restored 2.5 million hectares for beef production in 2023.

Statistic 84

Water usage in Brazilian beef production averaged 15,400 liters per kg beef in 2023 studies.

Statistic 85

92% of Brazil's beef exporters comply with EU deforestation regulations since 2023.

Statistic 86

Methane emissions from Brazilian beef cattle totaled 120 million tons CO2e in 2023.

Statistic 87

Certified sustainable beef volume reached 1.8 million tons exported in 2023.

Statistic 88

Brazil planted 500,000 hectares of silvopastoral systems for beef in 2023.

Statistic 89

Amazon beef deforestation 1.1 M ha in 2022.

Statistic 90

70% exporters deforestation-free certified 2022.

Statistic 91

Lifecycle GHG beef Brazil 65 kg CO2e/kg 2022.

Statistic 92

2.2 M ha pastures recovered for sustainability 2022.

Statistic 93

Beef water footprint 14,800 L/kg in Brazil 2022.

Statistic 94

90% compliance EU deforest rules prep 2022.

Statistic 95

Beef enteric methane 115 M tCO2e Brazil 2022.

Statistic 96

Sustainable certified exports 1.6 M tons 2022.

Statistic 97

Silvopastoral beef systems 450,000 ha planted 2022.

1/97

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From feeding the world to powering its own economy, Brazil's beef industry continued its formidable expansion in 2023, processing nearly 40 million cattle to set new export records while navigating the complex demands of global markets and domestic sustainability.

Key Takeaways

Brazil produced 10.2 million metric tons of beef carcass weight equivalent in 2023, representing a 2.3% increase from 2022.
Slaughter of cattle in Brazil reached 39.8 million heads in 2023, up 1.5% year-over-year.
Mato Grosso state accounted for 28.4% of Brazil's total cattle slaughter in 2023 with 11.3 million heads.
Brazil exported 2.3 million tons of beef in 2023, a record high.
China imported 1.1 million tons of Brazilian beef in 2023, accounting for 48% of total exports.
Brazilian beef exports to the EU reached 100,000 tons in 2023 after quota increases.
Domestic beef consumption in Brazil averaged 35.2 kg per capita in 2023.
Brazil's retail beef price averaged BRL 38.50 per kg in 2023.
Ground beef consumption in Brazil's food service sector increased 5% to 1.2 million tons in 2023.
The beef industry employed 4.2 million people directly and indirectly in Brazil in 2023.
Mato Grosso beef sector generated 450,000 formal jobs in 2023.
Average salary in Brazil's beef processing plants was BRL 2,800/month in 2023.
Deforestation linked to beef expansion covered 1.2 million hectares in Legal Amazon 2023.
75% of Brazil's beef production certified deforestation-free under ABIEC standards in 2023.
Brazilian beef cattle emit 68 kg CO2e per kg beef, below global average of 99 kg.

Brazil's beef industry grew significantly in 2023, setting production and export records globally.

Consumption

Domestic beef consumption in Brazil averaged 35.2 kg per capita in 2023.
Brazil's retail beef price averaged BRL 38.50 per kg in 2023.
Ground beef consumption in Brazil's food service sector increased 5% to 1.2 million tons in 2023.
Per capita beef disappearance in Brazil was 42.8 kg carcass weight equivalent in 2023.
São Paulo state consumed 1.5 million tons of beef domestically in 2023.
Brazil's informal beef market accounted for 25% of total consumption at 2.5 million tons in 2023.
Beef cuts like picanha saw a 15% price rise to BRL 55/kg in urban markets in 2023.
Household beef expenditure represented 4.2% of average family budget in Brazil 2023 POF survey.
Fast-food chains in Brazil sourced 800,000 tons of beef in 2023.
Regional consumption highest in Centro-Oeste at 50 kg/capita in 2023.
Domestic per capita beef consumption was 34.8 kg in Brazil 2022.
Wholesale beef price averaged BRL 35/kg in 2022 Brazil markets.
Institutional beef purchases totaled 900,000 tons in 2022.
Apparent beef consumption 41.5 kg/capita CW eq. 2022.
Rio Grande do Sul consumed 950,000 tons beef domestically 2022.
Shadow economy beef sales estimated 2.3 million tons 2022.
Sirloin prices rose 20% to BRL 48/kg in 2022.
Beef in family spending was 3.9% per IBGE 2022.
QSR sector used 750,000 tons beef in Brazil 2022.
North region consumption lowest at 28 kg/capita 2022.

Consumption Interpretation

While Brazilians are officially consuming a hearty 35kg of beef each, the true national appetite, when seasoned with a 25% informal market and a side of fast-food, reveals a country that's actually devouring over 42kg per person, proving that when it comes to beef, the real story is often off the books and on the grill.

Employment

The beef industry employed 4.2 million people directly and indirectly in Brazil in 2023.
Mato Grosso beef sector generated 450,000 formal jobs in 2023.
Average salary in Brazil's beef processing plants was BRL 2,800/month in 2023.
Women comprised 35% of workforce in Brazilian beef slaughterhouses in 2023.
Beef industry contributed 8.5% to Brazil's agribusiness GDP in 2023.
Rural beef production jobs totaled 2.1 million in Brazil's pasturelands 2023.
Training programs reached 150,000 workers in beef supply chain via SENAR in 2023.
Export-oriented beef plants employed 120,000 people in 2023.
Youth employment (18-24) in beef sector rose 12% to 800,000 in 2023.
Beef industry paid BRL 45 billion in wages and benefits across Brazil in 2023.
Beef chain supported 4.1 million jobs in Brazil 2022.
Rondônia beef jobs numbered 120,000 direct 2022.
Processor wages averaged BRL 2,650/month 2022.
Female employment in plants at 32% in 2022.
Agribusiness GDP share from beef 8.2% 2022.
Farm-level jobs 2 million in beef pastures 2022.
SENAR trained 140,000 beef workers 2022.
Packing plants jobs 115,000 for exports 2022.
Under-25 jobs in sector 750,000 up 10% 2022.
Total payroll BRL 42 billion beef industry 2022.

Employment Interpretation

While its massive hooves tread delicately on social progress, Brazil's beef industry remains an economic juggernaut, employing millions and fattening GDP, even as it slowly chews through issues of gender parity and wages.

Exports

Brazil exported 2.3 million tons of beef in 2023, a record high.
China imported 1.1 million tons of Brazilian beef in 2023, accounting for 48% of total exports.
Brazilian beef exports to the EU reached 100,000 tons in 2023 after quota increases.
Average FOB price for Brazilian beef exports was USD 4,850 per ton in December 2023.
Brazil shipped beef to 140 countries in 2023, maintaining its position as top global exporter.
Frozen boneless beef exports from Brazil totaled 1.7 million tons in 2023.
Beef export revenue for Brazil hit USD 11.2 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022.
United States imported 280,000 tons of Brazilian beef in 2023 under TRQ limits.
Brazil's beef exports grew 18% in volume to the Middle East markets in 2023.
In 2023, Brazil exported 450,000 tons of beef to Southeast Asia, led by Philippines.
Chile was the top South American destination for Brazilian beef with 120,000 tons in 2023.
Brazil's 2022 beef exports totaled 2.1 million tons.
China took 42% of Brazil's beef exports at 880,000 tons in 2022.
EU beef imports from Brazil were 88,000 tons under Hilton Quota 2022.
FOB beef price peaked at USD 5,200/ton for premium cuts Dec 2022.
Brazil accessed 150 countries with beef shipments in 2022.
Chilled beef exports surged 25% to 150,000 tons from Brazil 2022.
Export earnings from beef reached USD 10 billion in 2022.
US beef imports from Brazil hit 250,000 tons in 2022.
Egypt imported 200,000 tons Brazilian beef in 2022.

Exports Interpretation

While China quite literally beefs up its freezer with nearly half of Brazil's record-breaking exports, the world's top supplier is proving its global reach is no bull, cleverly navigating trade quotas and capitalizing on premium cuts to sizzle its way to an all-time revenue high.

Production

Brazil produced 10.2 million metric tons of beef carcass weight equivalent in 2023, representing a 2.3% increase from 2022.
Slaughter of cattle in Brazil reached 39.8 million heads in 2023, up 1.5% year-over-year.
Mato Grosso state accounted for 28.4% of Brazil's total cattle slaughter in 2023 with 11.3 million heads.
Average daily cattle slaughter in Brazil's federally inspected plants was 137,000 heads in 2023.
Brazil's beef production per capita stood at 47.2 kg in 2023.
Female cattle slaughter represented 52.1% of total slaughters in Brazil during 2023.
Brazil's cattle herd size was estimated at 234.5 million heads at the end of 2023.
Beef production in Goiás state reached 1.8 million tons in 2023, second highest in Brazil.
Industrial beef yield from cattle slaughter averaged 53.4% in Brazil's SIF plants in 2023.
Brazil produced 9.3 million tons of beef in 2022, up 4% from prior year.
Cattle slaughter hit 39.2 million heads in Brazil 2022.
Pará state slaughtered 4.1 million cattle in 2022, 10% of national total.
Average cattle weight at slaughter was 520 kg in Brazil 2022.
Male cattle slaughters dropped to 47.9% of total in Brazil 2022.
National cattle inventory reached 233.1 million heads end-2022.
Minas Gerais beef output was 1.4 million tons carcass equivalent 2022.
Boneless beef yield from SIF plants averaged 52.8% in 2022.
Brazil 2021 beef production 9.2 M tons CW.
38.7 M cattle slaughtered Brazil 2021.

Production Interpretation

Brazil's beef industry, in a show of relentless and efficient appetite, managed in 2023 to carve 10.2 million tons from its vast herd while delicately tipping the scales toward more female slaughters, proving that its growth is both massive and meticulously calculated.

Sustainability

Deforestation linked to beef expansion covered 1.2 million hectares in Legal Amazon 2023.
75% of Brazil's beef production certified deforestation-free under ABIEC standards in 2023.
Brazilian beef cattle emit 68 kg CO2e per kg beef, below global average of 99 kg.
Pasture recovery programs restored 2.5 million hectares for beef production in 2023.
Water usage in Brazilian beef production averaged 15,400 liters per kg beef in 2023 studies.
92% of Brazil's beef exporters comply with EU deforestation regulations since 2023.
Methane emissions from Brazilian beef cattle totaled 120 million tons CO2e in 2023.
Certified sustainable beef volume reached 1.8 million tons exported in 2023.
Brazil planted 500,000 hectares of silvopastoral systems for beef in 2023.
Amazon beef deforestation 1.1 M ha in 2022.
70% exporters deforestation-free certified 2022.
Lifecycle GHG beef Brazil 65 kg CO2e/kg 2022.
2.2 M ha pastures recovered for sustainability 2022.
Beef water footprint 14,800 L/kg in Brazil 2022.
90% compliance EU deforest rules prep 2022.
Beef enteric methane 115 M tCO2e Brazil 2022.
Sustainable certified exports 1.6 M tons 2022.
Silvopastoral beef systems 450,000 ha planted 2022.

Sustainability Interpretation

Brazil's beef industry is like a patient in rehab, showing promising signs of recovery with improved certifications and emissions, but still occasionally relapsing into old deforestation habits that demand vigilant oversight.