Brazil Pork Exports Rise 2.4% to 147,500 Tonnes in October

Brazil shipped 147,500 tonnes of pork in October, up 2.4% from 144,100 tonnes a year earlier, the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) reported. Revenue told a different story: $315.7 million, down from $343.7 million in the prior-year month.

The gap between volume and value signals falling unit prices for Brazilian pork on world markets. Growers and exporters face thinner per-tonne returns even as tonnage climbs.

Year-to-date figures hold the pattern. From January through October, exports reached 1.3 million tonnes, up 5.8% from the same period last year. Revenue rose just 0.2%, to $3.1 billion from $3.0 billion.

Where is Brazilian pork going?

The Philippines kept the top spot in October at 34,700 tonnes, but that figure fell 25.1% from 46,300 tonnes a year earlier. The other leading buyers moved sharply higher:

• Japan: 17,500 tonnes, up 62.3% from 10,800 tonnes
• Chile: 12,400 tonnes, up 57.1% from 7,900 tonnes
• China: 11,900 tonnes, up 18.8% from 10,000 tonnes
• Mexico: 7,700 tonnes, down 23.0% from 10,100 tonnes

The ten-month rankings show the same leaders with different momentum. The Philippines led at 318,100 tonnes, down 1.2% from 322,100 tonnes. Japan followed with 160,700 tonnes, up 68.6% from 95,300 tonnes — the sharpest gain among major destinations.

China bought 112,000 tonnes, down 21.2% from 142,100 tonnes. Chile took 109,900 tonnes, up 9.8% from 100,100 tonnes. Hong Kong imported 76,300 tonnes, down 16.9% from 91,900 tonnes.

Japan's 68.6% climb over ten months marks the structural shift in the trade. A buyer that took 95,300 tonnes through October last year now absorbs nearly two-thirds more.

Which states drive the shipments?

Santa Catarina, Brazil's largest pork-producing state, led October exports with 72,900 tonnes, up 5.5% from 69,100 tonnes. Rio Grande do Sul shipped 34,600 tonnes, down 5.3%. Paraná moved 24,100 tonnes, up 8.2%.

Minas Gerais exported 4,200 tonnes, up 11.0%. Mato Grosso matched the 4,200-tonne volume and posted the fastest state growth at 19.6%.

Santa Catarina alone accounted for roughly half of October's total tonnage. Its processors continue to anchor the national export base.

What did ABPA say?

ABPA president Ricardo Santin framed October as confirmation of a broader trend. "The growth recorded in October reinforces the positive trajectory of Brazilian pork exports in 2026," he said.

"In addition to the Philippines remaining the main destination, we observed significant advances in relevant markets, especially Japan, Chile, and China," Santin said.

He credited the spread of buyers for the sector's resilience. "The diversification of shipments has been fundamental to compensate for occasional setbacks and expand the presence of Brazilian products in the international market," he added.

The numbers back his point. A 25.1% drop in Philippine purchases in October did not drag total exports down, because Japan, Chile and China absorbed the difference.

Revenue, not volume, remains the pressure point. October's $315.7 million on 147,500 tonnes implies an average of roughly $2,141 per tonne, versus about $2,384 a year earlier — a decline of just over 10% in unit value.

ABPA's Santin points to continued growth into 2026, with Japan and Chile expanding fast enough to offset softening demand from the Philippines and Hong Kong.