Brazil’s beef export growth since 1998 tells a remarkable story of transformation and dominance on the global stage.

In 1998, Brazil exported just 670 million pounds of beef—a modest volume by today’s standards. But that would quickly change. In 1999, Brazil surpassed the 1 billion pound mark for the first time, marking the beginning of an upward trend that has continued for more than two decades.

By 2019, Brazil crossed a major milestone, exporting over 5 billion pounds of beef—an achievement that solidified its place as a global heavyweight. Just three years later, in 2022, Brazil exceeded 6 billion pounds in exports for the first time, despite global challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and shifting trade dynamics.

The acceleration didn’t stop there. In 2024, Brazil moved more than 7 billion pounds of beef internationally, setting yet another record. Now, in 2025, exports are projected to hit an all-time high of 7.94 billion pounds—a staggering 1084% increase since 1998.

This rapid expansion reflects not only Brazil’s unmatched scale and efficiency in beef production but also its strategic positioning in key global markets. With consistent growth, rising global protein demand, and competitive pricing, Brazil has officially become the largest beef exporter in the world, reshaping the global protein trade and influencing market dynamics across the U.S., China, the Middle East, and beyond.