EN 
PT_BR Beef from Mato Grosso continues to have a strong presence in China, but the beginning of 2026 shows a strategic move that increases the security of sales to the market: the consolidation of new buyer markets, due to the increased attractiveness of exports.
Data from the Bulletin of the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (Imea) indicate that the Attractiveness Index for Meat Exports from Mato Grosso reached 81.80 arrobas per ton (@/t) in January, a level above the maximums recorded for the month in the last five years.
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The indicator measures how many arrobas (a Brazilian unit of weight) of finished cattle can be purchased with the revenue generated by exporting one ton of meat, serving as a barometer of international competitiveness. “The diversification of markets shows that Mato Grosso's meat is globally consolidated. We are present in different regions of the world because we offer quality, productive efficiency, and a commitment to sustainability,” says the Projects Director of the Mato Grosso Institute of Meat (Imac), Bruno de Jesus Andrade.
Although China remains the main destination for Mato Grosso beef, with an index of 76.00 @/t in January, other markets drove the annual price increase.
Compared to January of last year, Central America registered an increase of 15.04% in the attractiveness index. North America advanced 11.47% and the Middle East 11.40%.
The numbers show that beef from Mato Grosso is expanding its global reach, reducing its dependence on a single buyer and strengthening its position in different economic blocs.
Diversifying destinations is strategic for the production chain, as it distributes commercial risks, expands business opportunities, and increases the bargaining power of the industry and the producer.
In addition to performance by destination, the international scenario remains favorable. In the first three weeks of February, Brazil had already shipped 192,710 tons of fresh beef, with a daily average of 55.69% higher than that recorded in the same period of 2025. If this pace is maintained, the month could close with a new record.
The average price per ton also increased by 13.90% year-on-year, reaching US$5,313.35/t, reinforcing the positive environment for Brazilian protein abroad. "With new markets gaining prominence, Mato Grosso begins 2026 expanding the profitability of exports and strengthening its position as an international benchmark in beef production," emphasizes the director of Imac.
