Mato Grosso consolidates its leading role in pig farming with record exports in 2025.

The year 2025 was marked by significant results for Brazilian pig farming, driven mainly by the record exports achieved by the country. Mato Grosso followed this positive performance and recorded historical numbers in both exports and slaughter, demonstrating the strength of the sector's recovery after the challenges faced in 2022 and 2023.

One of the most significant milestones of 2025 was the recognition of Brazil as a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone without vaccination. This achievement raises expectations for opening new markets and reinforces the serious and continuous work carried out by the country, especially by Mato Grosso, in maintaining a high sanitary status.

Another highlight of the year was the change in the profile of buyers of Brazilian pork. Traditionally led by China and Hong Kong, exports began to feature a more prominent role for the Philippines, in addition to the strengthening of demanding markets such as Japan, Mexico, and other countries.

President of the Mato Grosso Swine Breeders Association (Acrismat), Frederico Tannure Filho: “Even with the growth in exports, the domestic market did not face shortages. Production remained balanced and kept pace with the expansion of external demand.”

According to the National Confederation of Agriculture (CNA), national production should reach 5.47 million tons in 2025, an increase of 2.01% compared to 2024.

Even with the expansion of supply, prices paid to producers reacted positively. Data from Cepea shows that, up to the third quarter, prices paid to independent producers rose 10.81% year-on-year, supported by strong demand.

In the period from January to November, Brazilian pork exports grew by 10.81% of the total export volume (TP4T), surpassing the volume of 2024 — which was already a record year. The Philippines consolidated its position as the main destination, representing 24.5% of the revenue, followed by Japan, China, and Chile.

According to data compiled by the Data Hub of the State Secretariat for Economic Development (Sedec), pork exports increased from US$$ 59.97 million between January and November 2024 to US$$ 68.55 million in the same period of 2025. The sector maintained growth driven by the expansion of buyer markets, especially in Asia.

“Even with the growth in exports, the domestic market did not face shortages. Production remained balanced and kept pace with the expansion of external demand. This scenario demonstrates the country's productive capacity: whenever challenged, Brazilian producers respond with efficiency, quality, and volume, ensuring the supply of both domestic and international markets,” points out the president of the Mato Grosso Swine Breeders Association (Acrismat), Frederico Tannure Filho.

For 2026, the main point of concern for the sector is related to production costs. The planting of the 2025/2026 crop is delayed due to weather problems and lack of rain, which is causing concern regarding the second corn crop in the Midwest. The risk of lower productivity and grain quality raises an alert, since corn represents one of the main components of pig farming costs.

“Given this scenario, the recommendation is for producers to be prepared to face possible cost increases throughout the year. In the market, the expectation is for stability in both pork prices and domestic consumption and exports, which should remain strong. Thus, the commercial environment tends to be balanced, although with increased attention to the impacts of production costs,” emphasizes Tannure.

In Mato Grosso, even without significant growth in livestock numbers, state production continues to expand, keeping pace with demand and preventing shortages. This performance reinforces the resilience and strength of Mato Grosso's producers.