Brazil’s pork exports soared in March, showing significant gains in both volume and value, according to new figures released by the country’s trade office. Export volume rose 26.6% to 116,300 metric tons (mt), while export value jumped 44.2% to $278 million, compared to March 2024.
For the first quarter of 2025, Brazil exported 336,800 mt of pork worth $789 million — up 16.4% in volume and 32% in value year-over-year.
Export destinations fluctuated dramatically in March. The Philippines led all buyers with 27,000 mt, accounting for more than 23% of Brazil’s total pork exports and marking an 85% increase from the same month last year. Sales to Hong Kong climbed 68% to 12,500 mt, while exports to China fell 27% to 14,100 mt.
A notable development came in Mexico, where Brazilian pork had not entered the market a year ago. In March, exports reached 4,600 mt following the opening of the zero-tariff meat import market. With Mexico representing the largest destination for U.S. pork — purchasing 38% of total U.S. pork exports in 2024 — this shift signals growing competitive pressure. A recent RaboBank report warned that rising U.S. tariffs and possible retaliatory actions could alter global trade flows, potentially benefiting emerging exporters like Brazil. U.S. beef and poultry are facing similar headwinds in Mexico’s expanding meat market.
Elsewhere in Latin America, Brazil’s exports to Argentina jumped by over 500% to 4,500 mt, driven by the country’s recent pro-market reforms. Exports to Japan grew 83% to 9,800 mt, while shipments to Singapore increased nearly 24% to 6,000 mt.
“This demonstrates the sector’s strength in diversifying its export destinations, which should further support the positive outlook for the year,” said Ricardo Santin, President of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).
