EN 
PT_BR Mato Grosso once again stood out in the international beef market by registering a record performance in the first quarter of 2026. The state exported 251,830 tons in carcass weight equivalent (TEC), a volume that represents 26.72% of all beef shipped by Brazil in the period — the highest ever recorded for a first quarter in the historical series.
The impressive result is also evident in the year-on-year comparison. Compared to the same period in 2025, the growth was 53.39% in export volume. Revenue reached US$1.11 billion, an increase of 74.71%, driven by both increased international demand and the higher value per ton shipped, which reached an average of US$4,540.
China remained the main destination for Mato Grosso beef in the quarter, accounting for 50,821 TP4T of shipments, equivalent to 127,970 TEC. The Asian country continues to drive global demand, sustaining high import volumes. However, other markets are beginning to gain relevance. The United States appears in second place, with 9,141 TP4T of purchases (23,030 TEC), and is noteworthy for its growth rate: in just three months, it has already acquired 57,381 TP4T of the total volume exported to the country throughout 2025.
According to Bruno de Jesus Andrade, Projects Director at the Mato Grosso Institute of Meat (Imac), the result reflects a set of factors that have been strengthening livestock farming. “Mato Grosso has been making progress in opening markets and increasing the value of its meat. This growth shows not only the strength of production, but also the confidence of international buyers in the quality and consistency of the product.”
“Besides volume, we are gaining value. This involves a combination of productive efficiency, genetic improvement, management and, increasingly, the adoption of sustainable practices, which are requirements of the most demanding markets,” emphasizes the Projects Director of Imac.
