Brazil’s pork industry continues to strengthen its position in both domestic and international markets. According to the Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (Cepea), pork’s competitiveness relative to beef reached its highest level since records began in 2004.
Analysts attribute this primarily to lower domestic pork prices, driven by subdued consumer demand. At the same time, beef carcass quotations remained relatively stable, further widening the price gap between the two proteins.
Despite some pressure on domestic prices, the outlook for producers remains positive thanks to strong export performance.
According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), the country exported 129,400 tonnes of pork in May, the highest volume ever recorded for the month. This represented a 9% increase compared with May 2025, when exports totaled 118,800 tonnes.
Export revenue also reached a record level. In May, pork export earnings amounted to US$302.1 million, up 3.8% from the same month last year.
During the first five months of 2026, Brazil exported 661,700 tonnes of pork, a 13.1% increase compared with the corresponding period of 2025. Export revenue for January–May rose by 11.9% to US$1.546 billion.
The Philippines remained the largest destination for Brazilian pork exports in May, receiving 27,200 tonnes. However, shipments to the country declined by 3.8% compared with the previous year.
Among other key export markets, Japan increased imports by 83.2% to 15,200 tonnes, while exports to Mexico (+20.4%), Hong Kong (+13.8%), and Argentina (+13.7%) also recorded significant growth. In contrast, shipments to China fell by 25.9% to 8,900 tonnes.
Among exporting states, Santa Catarina maintained its leading position with 62,500 tonnes shipped in May. Significant growth was also recorded in Rio Grande do Sul (+19.5%), Mato Grosso (+52.4%), and Minas Gerais (+26.5%).
ABPA President Ricardo Santin noted that these strong results were made possible by the successful diversification of export destinations.
According to Santin, substantial growth in high-value markets such as Japan, as well as expanded exports to countries including Georgia, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Korea, contributed positively to the month’s performance.
“The best May in the history of pork exports confirms the strength of international demand and provides grounds for expecting an exceptionally successful year for Brazilian pig farming, with the potential to set new records in both export volume and revenue,” Santin emphasized.
As a result, Brazil’s pig sector continues to demonstrate strong resilience. Domestic pork competitiveness is increasing, while export performance reflects sustained global demand and further strengthens the country’s position among the world’s leading pork exporters.
PigUA.info, based on materials from The Pig Site