Agribusiness exports fall in August after peak in July

Brazilian agribusiness exports totaled US$15.6 billion in August, according to data from the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex) compiled by Itaú BBA Agro. This represents a decrease of 8.3% compared to July, but shows an increase of 1.5% compared to August 2024.

Soybeans were the highlight of the month, with 9.3 million tons shipped, an increase of 16% compared to the same period last year, driven by demand from China, which absorbed 85% of the grain. Despite the increase in volume, the average price fell by 4.4%, to US$415.4/t. Soybean oil also gained ground, with growth of 40% in external sales.

Photo: Claudio Neves

In the livestock sector, shipments of fresh beef reached 269,000 tons, a historical record for August and 241% above 2024. The average price per ton continued to rise, reaching US$5,600.47, 26% higher year-on-year. Chicken meat, however, decreased by 3.2% in volume compared to the same month last year, with a drop of 12.9% in prices, while pork shipments increased by 1.5%, with a rise of 4%.

In the sugar and ethanol sector, ethanol exports increased by 15% in volume, but prices fell by 7.5%, to US$523.6/m³. Meanwhile, VHP sugar saw a decrease of 5.4% in shipments and a drop of 12% in prices, while refined sugar grew by 3% in volume, but with a devaluation of 16%.

Among the products that registered a sharp decline, green coffee stood out, with a decrease of 31% in exported volume. Despite this, prices soared 47%, reaching US$$ 6,179.7/t.

Sales to the United States were impacted by recently imposed tariffs. Total exports to the country fell 18.5% compared to August 2024, and agribusiness accounted for only 2% of the total US$2.8 billion. Forest products, coffee, and beef were among the most affected.