In August 2025, Mexico overtook the United States to become the second-largest buyer of Brazilian beef, reshaping global trade flows.
Brazil’s beef industry has just witnessed a historic shift in its global trade map. In August 2025, Mexico overtook the United States to become the second-largest buyer of Brazilian beef, trailing only China. This change reflects not only new trade barriers in the U.S. but also Mexico’s growing appetite for affordable protein to meet rising domestic demand.
Why Mexico Is Now Ahead of the U.S.
According to Brazil’s beef exporters association (ABIEC), between August 1 and 25, Mexico imported 10,200 tons of Brazilian beef worth USD 58.8 million, while the United States purchased 7,800 tons worth USD 43.6 million.
The turning point came after Washington imposed an additional 50% tariff on Brazilian beef in early August 2025, on top of an existing 26.4% duty (read more here). These measures sharply reduced U.S. imports and forced Brazilian packers to seek alternative markets. Mexico, with its lower barriers and rising demand, quickly stepped in.
From January to July 2025, Mexico had already tripled its purchases of Brazilian beef compared with the same period in 2024, totaling 67,659 tons. This represented a 420% year-on-year increase in shipments, highlighting a trend that is unlikely to reverse soon.
What Kind of Beef Is Mexico Buying?
Both Mexico and the United States import Brazilian beef mainly for everyday consumption and industrial use, rather than premium steak cuts. While the U.S. market relies heavily on manufacturing-grade beef for hamburger and ground beef production, Mexico’s demand has centered on frozen boneless beef—especially forequarter cuts such as chuck and brisket, which are widely used in tacos, stews, and processed foods.
According to trade data, over 80% of Brazil’s beef exports to Mexico in 2025 fall into the frozen boneless category, a product that offers flexibility for the foodservice sector and for further processing. Hindquarter cuts and chilled fresh beef make up a much smaller share, as Mexican consumers typically source premium steaks from domestic production.
This profile contrasts with China, which buys a balanced mix of forequarter and hindquarter cuts, and with Middle Eastern countries, where demand is stronger for frozen carcasses and bone-in beef. Mexico’s focus on frozen boneless beef highlights its strategy to secure large, cost-effective protein supplies that can be quickly integrated into its food industry.
Mexico’s Strategic Importance
Mexico’s growing demand goes beyond short-term opportunity. The country is among the top ten beef consumers in the world, with per capita intake of nearly 18 kilograms per year, according to USDA estimates. Domestic production has struggled to keep up with consumption growth, particularly in urban centers, making imports a structural necessity.
The timing also favors Brazilian exporters. As U.S. tariffs disrupted trade flows, Mexico accelerated audits of Brazilian processing plants. In September 2025, Mexican authorities were set to inspect 14 additional plants from companies like JBS, Marfrig, and BRF, on top of the 35 already authorized. This expansion could significantly widen market access in the coming months.
Global Trade Implications
The U.S. tariffs on Brazilian beef are reshaping supply chains across the Americas. While Washington framed the move as a way to protect domestic producers, analysts suggest it may reduce competitiveness for U.S. food companies that rely on affordable imported beef for processing.
Meanwhile, Brazil has positioned itself as a reliable supplier to Mexico, creating a new trade axis in the Western Hemisphere. Although some speculate that Mexican imports could be re-exported to the U.S., authorities in Mexico City have denied this possibility, stressing that purchases are intended for domestic consumption.
What Comes Next
For Brazilian ranchers and meatpackers, Mexico’s rise as the second-largest destination for beef exports highlights both opportunity and risk. On one hand, the diversification reduces reliance on China and provides a new high-volume market. On the other, Mexico’s strong demand is still largely concentrated in lower-value cuts, which limits margins compared with premium export markets.
The next steps will depend on how quickly Brazil can deepen trade ties with Mexico and whether U.S. tariffs remain in place. If current trends continue, Mexico could solidify its position as a long-term partner in Brazil’s beef trade, offering stability in a period of global uncertainty.
