Pork industry has record exports in May
The Brazilian pork industry once again recorded record performance in exports in May 2026, driven by increased international demand and the expansion of shipments to strategic markets in Asia and Latin America.
According to data released by the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), Brazil exported 129.4 thousand tons of pork, considering fresh and processed products, last month. The volume represents the largest ever recorded for the months of May and growth of 9% compared to the same period in 2025, when shipments totaled 118.8 thousand tons.
In terms of revenue, exports reached US$302.1 million, also a record for the month of May, with an increase of 3.8% compared to the US$291.2 million recorded in the previous year.
In the accumulated period from January to May, the sector exported 661.7 thousand tons of pork, an increase of 13.1% in the annual comparison. Foreign exchange revenue reached US$1.546 billion, an increase of 11.9% over the same period in 2025.
The Philippines remained the main destination for Brazilian pork in May, with 27.2 thousand tons shipped. Despite the leadership, the volume was 3.8% lower than that recorded in the same month last year.
The positive highlight was Japan, which increased purchases by 83.2%, totaling 15.2 thousand tons. Markets such as Mexico (+20.4%), Hong Kong (+13.8%) and Argentina (+13.7%) also showed relevant growth.
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China registered a 25.9% drop in shipments, with 8.9 thousand tons imported in May. There was also a drop in sales to Vietnam (-14.2%) and Singapore (-50.5%).
Among exporting states, Santa Catarina maintained the national leadership, with 62.5 thousand tons shipped in May, growth of 4.9%. Next come Rio Grande do Sul, with 32.7 thousand tons (+19.5%), and Paraná, with 18.3 thousand tons (-4.8%).
Mato Grosso, with an increase of 52.4%, and Minas Gerais, with growth of 26.5%, also made significant progress.
The performance reinforces Brazil's position as one of the main global suppliers of animal protein in an international scenario still marked by logistical challenges, high costs and changes in the global flow of food trade.
For the sector, the growth in exports demonstrates the diversification of purchasing markets and the competitiveness of the Brazilian production chain, especially in Asian markets, where demand for pork protein remains strong.
Source: CNN