Brazil overtook the US as the world's top beef producer
Beef and veal production, million tonnes carcass weight, 2020 vs 2025. USDA estimates.
Beef and veal Brazil produced in 2025, up 26% from 10.0 Mt in 2020.
US output in 2025, down 4% from 12.4 Mt in 2020: behind Brazil for the first time since at least 2010.
Brazil's beef exports in 2025, nearly four times the US's 1.2 Mt. USDA forecasts Brazil still ahead in output in 2026 and 2027.
the numbers & method
| 2020 (Mt) | 2025 (Mt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 10.0 | 12.6 |
| United States | 12.4 | 11.8 |
| China | 6.7 | 8.0 |
| India | 3.8 | 4.7 |
| Argentina | 3.2 | 3.1 |
| Australia | 2.1 | 2.9 |
Claim types Estimate · Forecast
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Production, Supply and Distribution (PSD), Meat, Beef and Veal, data as of October 2026 (circular of 9 Oct 2026), calendar years, 1,000 tonnes carcass weight equivalent. Production 2020 / 2025: Brazil 9,975 / 12,605; United States 12,389 / 11,839; China 6,720 / 8,010; India 3,760 / 4,680; Australia 2,123 / 2,886; Argentina 3,170 / 3,145. 2024: Brazil 11,850, US 12,290. The US led Brazil in every year 2010–2024 in the PSD series read. The EU (about 6.4 Mt in 2025) is a bloc and not charted. Exports 2025: Brazil 4,380, US 1,170. Forecasts (Forecast, not charted): production 2026 Brazil 12,150 vs US 11,292; 2027 11,950 vs 11,235. 2025 figures are USDA estimates (attaché reports for Brazil, NASS-based for the US). India's figure includes carabeef (water buffalo). Percent changes and the export ratio (3.7×) are progrss calculations. Read through the progrss vault copy of PSD, edition Oct 2026. USDA expects both countries to cut output in 2026–27 while farmers rebuild herds.
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