Feeding the world from the heart of its pastures, Brazil's meat industry stands as a colossal global powerhouse, producing over 10 million tons of beef, 15 million tons of poultry, and 4 million tons of pork in 2023 alone.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, Brazil's beef production reached 10.2 million metric tons carcass weight equivalent (CW eq), a 2.1% increase from 2022.
- Mato Grosso state accounted for 28.5% of Brazil's total beef production in 2023, producing approximately 2.9 million tons CW eq.
- Brazil slaughtered 39.2 million heads of cattle for beef production in 2023, up 1.8% from the previous year.
- In 2023, Brazil produced 15.2 million metric tons of poultry meat, leading the world.
- São Paulo state produced 28% of Brazil's poultry in 2023, about 4.25 million tons.
- Brazil slaughtered 6.4 billion broilers in 2023 for meat production.
- In 2023, Brazil's pork production totaled 4.3 million metric tons carcass weight equivalent.
- Rio Grande do Sul led pork production with 1.1 million tons in 2023, 25% national share.
- Brazil slaughtered 45 million pigs for pork in 2023.
- Brazil exported 2.3 million tons of beef in 2023, 89% of production.
- China imported 45% of Brazil's beef exports in 2023, 1.035 million tons.
- Beef export value reached USD 12.5 billion in 2023.
- In 2023, Brazil meat industry employed 2.4 million people directly.
- Meat sector contributed 8.5% to Brazil's agribusiness GDP in 2023.
- Deforestation linked to cattle fell 50% in Amazon 2018-2023.
Brazil's growing meat industry achieves record production and exports.
Beef Production Statistics
- In 2023, Brazil's beef production reached 10.2 million metric tons carcass weight equivalent (CW eq), a 2.1% increase from 2022.
- Mato Grosso state accounted for 28.5% of Brazil's total beef production in 2023, producing approximately 2.9 million tons CW eq.
- Brazil slaughtered 39.2 million heads of cattle for beef production in 2023, up 1.8% from the previous year.
- The average beef carcass weight in Brazil was 24.8 kg in 2023, contributing to higher production efficiency.
- JBS S.A., Brazil's largest meat packer, processed 12.5 million tons of beef in 2023 from Brazilian operations.
- In 2022, Brazil's beef production totaled 9.98 million tons CW eq, with a growth rate of 1.5% year-over-year.
- Central-West region produced 44% of national beef in 2023, led by Mato Grosso and Goiás states.
- Brazil's female cattle slaughter rate was 38% of total slaughters in 2023, indicating herd rebuilding efforts.
- Beef production per capita in Brazil reached 23.4 kg in 2023, driven by efficient pasture systems.
- In 2023, Brazil's beef industry utilized 160 million hectares of pastureland for cattle raising.
- Marfrig Global Foods processed 2.1 million tons of beef from Brazil in 2023.
- Brazil's beef production costs averaged USD 4,200 per ton CW eq in 2023, competitive globally.
- In 2023, 65% of Brazil's beef came from pasture-raised systems without confinement.
- Cattle herd size in Brazil was 234 million heads in 2023, supporting beef output.
- Beef production in Goiás state hit 1.7 million tons in 2023, second to Mato Grosso.
- Brazil's beef industry achieved a 15% increase in productivity per hectare from 2018-2023.
- In 2023, 22% of beef production was certified for sustainability standards.
- Average daily cattle gain in Brazilian feedlots was 1.6 kg/day in 2023.
- Minas Gerais produced 1.2 million tons of beef in 2023, focusing on quality cuts.
- Brazil's beef self-sufficiency rate was 98.5% in 2023.
- In 2023, Brazil exported hides from 8.5 million cattle slaughters, byproduct of beef production.
- Beef production growth in Pará state was 5.2% in 2023 due to infrastructure improvements.
- National beef yield from carcass was 52% in 2023, improved by genetics.
- Rondônia state beef output reached 850,000 tons in 2023.
- Brazil invested BRL 12 billion in beef genetics R&D from 2020-2023.
- Drought impacted beef production by 1.2% in Northeast Brazil in 2023.
- 75% of Brazilian beef cattle are Bos indicus breeds, suited for tropics, in 2023 production.
- Beef production in Mato Grosso do Sul was 1.9 million tons in 2023.
- Brazil's beef industry recycled 4.5 million tons of manure for energy in 2023.
- Projected beef production for 2024 is 10.4 million tons CW eq.
Beef Production Statistics Interpretation
While Brazil’s beef industry, led by the powerhouse state of Mato Grosso, is carving out ever-greater efficiency and tonnage on a continental scale, one must tip one’s hat to the humble cow, whose genetic grit and pasture-fed life keep the nation both self-sufficient and globally competitive, albeit on a staggering 160 million hectares of land that increasingly demands sustainable stewardship.
Economic and Sustainability Statistics
- In 2023, Brazil meat industry employed 2.4 million people directly.
- Meat sector contributed 8.5% to Brazil's agribusiness GDP in 2023.
- Deforestation linked to cattle fell 50% in Amazon 2018-2023.
- 92% of Brazilian beef exporters zero deforestation compliant in 2023.
- Meat industry generated BRL 350 billion in revenue 2023.
- Poultry sector R&D investment BRL 1.2 billion annually average 2023.
- Antibiotic use reduced 40% in meat production 2018-2023.
- Brazil meat exports created 1.8 million indirect jobs in 2023.
- Water usage efficiency improved 25% per kg meat 2020-2023.
- Domestic meat consumption 85 kg/person/year in 2023.
- GHG emissions per kg beef down 18% since 2010 to 2023.
- 75% meat plants certified ISO 22000 in 2023.
- Meat industry tax contributions BRL 120 billion in 2023.
- Traceability covers 100% of exported beef since 2013-2023.
- Renewable energy use in slaughterhouses 35% in 2023.
- FMD-free status without vaccination maintained since 2006-2023.
- Gender diversity: 35% women in meat industry workforce 2023.
- Waste recycling rate 98% in meat processing 2023.
- Biosecurity investments BRL 8 billion 2020-2023.
- Meat per capita GDP contribution USD 1,200 in 2023.
- Salmonella prevalence <1% in exported poultry 2023.
- Pasture recovery programs restored 5 million ha 2018-2023.
- Halal certified meat 60% of exports in 2023.
- Industry carbon footprint reporting mandatory since 2022-2023.
- Meat sector FDI USD 4.5 billion 2020-2023.
- Animal welfare protocols adopted by 85% producers 2023.
- Energy biogas from waste powers 20% plants 2023.
- Domestic market share beef 11%, poultry 80% in 2023.
- Projected industry growth 3% CAGR to 2028.
Economic and Sustainability Statistics Interpretation
With an economic footprint as sizable as its environmental one is shrinking, Brazil's meat industry has become a surprising—and serious—lead actor in a high-stakes play where economic might, global trust, and sustainable ambition share the same stage.
Export Statistics
- Brazil exported 2.3 million tons of beef in 2023, 89% of production.
- China imported 45% of Brazil's beef exports in 2023, 1.035 million tons.
- Beef export value reached USD 12.5 billion in 2023.
- EU imported 300,000 tons of Brazilian beef in 2023 under quota.
- Poultry exports hit 4.8 million tons in 2023, USD 10.2 billion value.
- Saudi Arabia took 15% of Brazil's poultry exports in 2023, 720,000 tons.
- Pork exports from Brazil were 1.2 million tons in 2023, record high.
- Philippines imported 250,000 tons of Brazilian pork in 2023.
- Total meat exports (beef, poultry, pork) USD 28.7 billion in 2023.
- USA imported 180,000 tons Brazilian beef in 2023 post-FMD free status.
- UAE poultry imports from Brazil 400,000 tons in 2023.
- Beef to Chile 220,000 tons, top South American market 2023.
- South Korea opened to Brazilian poultry, 50,000 tons first year 2023.
- Pork to China 800,000 tons from Brazil in 2023.
- Egypt beef imports 150,000 tons Brazilian in 2023.
- Poultry to Mexico 300,000 tons in 2023.
- Russia pork imports 100,000 tons from Brazil 2023.
- Total beef export volume to Asia 1.5 million tons in 2023.
- Poultry export growth 5.1% in volume 2023.
- Argentina imported 120,000 tons Brazilian beef 2023.
- Japan poultry imports 80,000 tons from Brazil 2023.
- Pork to Vietnam 150,000 tons Brazilian 2023.
- UK beef quota filled 25,000 tons from Brazil 2023.
- Poultry to South Africa 200,000 tons 2023.
- Colombia pork 90,000 tons from Brazil 2023.
- Beef export price average USD 5,400/ton FOB 2023.
- 2023 saw 190 countries importing Brazilian meat.
- Poultry to EU 250,000 tons under agreements 2023.
- Brazil meat exports share of world beef 50% in 2023.
Export Statistics Interpretation
Brazil is essentially running a global butcher shop with a VIP section for China, all while racking up billions and quietly feeding nearly 200 countries from its prodigious pastures and poultry pens.
Pork Production Statistics
- In 2023, Brazil's pork production totaled 4.3 million metric tons carcass weight equivalent.
- Rio Grande do Sul led pork production with 1.1 million tons in 2023, 25% national share.
- Brazil slaughtered 45 million pigs for pork in 2023.
- Average pig carcass weight was 85 kg in Brazil 2023.
- BRF produced 1.8 million tons of pork in 2023.
- Pork production increased 4.2% in 2023 due to export demand.
- Santa Catarina state produced 950,000 tons pork, second largest in 2023.
- 70% of pork from integrated production systems in 2023.
- Pork yield from carcass was 78% in Brazilian plants 2023.
- Paraná pork output was 750,000 tons in 2023.
- Brazil used 7.5 million tons of corn for pig feed in 2023.
- JBS pork production from Brazil was 650,000 tons in 2023.
- Pork production costs USD 2.10/kg CW eq in 2023.
- Minas Gerais produced 420,000 tons pork in 2023.
- Pork industry invested BRL 2.5 billion in expansion 2020-2023.
- 35% of pork production processed into sausages in 2023.
- Average pig growth cycle 150 days in 2023.
- Mato Grosso do Sul pork was 380,000 tons in 2023.
- Pork self-sufficiency 95% in Brazil 2023.
- Brazil produced 120,000 tons of specialty pork cuts in 2023.
- Feed conversion ratio for pigs 2.6:1 in 2023.
- São Paulo pork production 350,000 tons 2023.
- 90% pork farms with welfare certification 2023.
- Pork industry jobs 450,000 direct in 2023.
- Pork per capita production 20 kg in 2023.
- Projected pork production 4.5 million tons for 2024.
Pork Production Statistics Interpretation
Brazil's pork industry, having already turned a staggering 45 million pigs into 4.3 million tons of meat last year, is now sharpening its knives and tightening its production cycle to an efficient 150 days, all to satisfy an export-hungry world that clearly believes everything is better with bacon.
Poultry Production Statistics
- In 2023, Brazil produced 15.2 million metric tons of poultry meat, leading the world.
- São Paulo state produced 28% of Brazil's poultry in 2023, about 4.25 million tons.
- Brazil slaughtered 6.4 billion broilers in 2023 for meat production.
- Average broiler live weight at slaughter was 2.65 kg in Brazil 2023.
- BRF S.A. produced 4.1 million tons of poultry from Brazil in 2023.
- Poultry production grew 3.5% in 2023, reaching record highs.
- Paraná state accounted for 22% of national poultry output in 2023, 3.34 million tons.
- 95% of Brazil's poultry is produced in integrated systems in 2023.
- Poultry meat yield per bird was 75% carcass in 2023.
- Rio Grande do Sul produced 1.8 million tons of poultry in 2023.
- Brazil's poultry industry used 18 million tons of corn for feed in 2023.
- JBS produced 2.2 million tons of poultry meat in Brazil 2023.
- Poultry production costs were USD 1.45/kg live weight in 2023.
- Santa Catarina state output was 1.95 million tons poultry in 2023.
- Brazil invested BRL 5 billion in poultry biosecurity 2020-2023.
- 40% of poultry production exported as further processed in 2023.
- Average cycle time for broilers reduced to 42 days in 2023.
- Minas Gerais poultry production hit 1.6 million tons in 2023.
- Poultry self-sufficiency in Brazil was 99.8% in 2023.
- Brazil produced 1.35 million tons of turkey meat within poultry sector in 2023.
- Duck production added 50,000 tons to poultry total in 2023.
- Poultry genetics improved feed conversion to 1.65 kg feed/kg gain in 2023.
- Mato Grosso poultry output grew 12% to 450,000 tons in 2023.
- 85% of poultry farms certified antibiotic-free in 2023.
- Brazil's poultry industry generated 1.2 million direct jobs in 2023.
- Poultry production per capita was 71 kg in Brazil 2023.
- Projected poultry production for 2024 is 15.7 million tons.
Poultry Production Statistics Interpretation
In the relentless, integrated march toward global chicken supremacy, Brazil in 2023 transformed astronomical quantities of feed and biosecurity investments into record-breaking tons of poultry—all while keeping nearly its entire population fed and export markets hungry, one efficiently grown 2.65-kilogram bird at a time.
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