With lower tariffs in the US, Famato expects to expand beef exports from Mato Grosso.

The United States government has reduced tariffs on dozens of food items, including beef. The measure reverses some of the surcharges adopted in 2025 and seeks to alleviate pressure on food prices in the American market. For the sector in Mato Grosso, the expected effect is increased competitiveness and predictability in foreign sales.

The Mato Grosso Agriculture and Livestock Federation (Famato) classified the decision as positive for the meat industry. “Mato Grosso's livestock sector celebrates this reversal of tariffs. We hope that this new scenario of dialogue will contribute to expanding exports, consolidating partnerships, and strengthening regional agribusiness, boosting economic growth for Mato Grosso and Brazil,” stated the superintendent, Cleiton Gauer. According to Famato, the end of the surcharge could favor longer contracts and more stable terms.

Data from the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (Imea) shows that Mato Grosso remains the largest producer of beef in the country and has expanded its presence in foreign trade. In the accumulated period from January to October 2025, the volume exported by the state was 35,191 tons higher than the same period in 2024. In October, Mato Grosso shipped 107,940 tons and earned US$462.82 million. Imea also highlights the diversification of destinations and the potential to gain a share in the national ranking.

Supply also increased with more feedlot finishing. The intended number of cattle in feedlots reached 926,780 head in the second quarter, and the most recent projection indicates 928,700 animals in feedlots in 2025, an increase of 4,051 TP4T compared to 2024. The improved margin, with the price per arroba rising above that of corn, sustained the increase.

Even with adjustments to the herd, estimated at just over 32.1 million head in 2025, Mato Grosso remains the country's main livestock hub, according to Indea MT. The annual decline of 2,03% reflects a greater culling of females in recent years.

According to Famato, the end of the surcharge tends to translate into longer contracts and stable terms. "In addition to predictability and greater competitiveness for the sector, the decision reinforces confidence in Brazil's role, especially Mato Grosso's, as an essential supplier for global food security," said the superintendent, affirming that the meat produced in the state meets the health, sustainability, and traceability standards demanded by the most rigorous markets.

In a technical note, Imea stated that Mato Grosso is close to São Paulo in exports and sees ample room for expansion of the state's share in Brazilian sales. The tariff reduction in the US, if sustained, could accelerate this movement.