Exports of Brazilian beef to the EU have hit the highest level in 15 years.

Brazilian beef imports reached almost 10,000t of chilled and frozen beef in July and August this year. Brazilian beef exports to Spain are up 26% in the period January to August 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.

Brazilian beef exports to the Netherlands are up 18%, while Italy is up 28% to 9,299t for the first eight months of 2025. The record Brazilian exports to the EU will be a worry for Irish finishers as the Mercosur trade deal enters its final stages of ratification.

Beef prices

The news comes as factories continue to heap pressure on the beef trade this week, with almost all plants pulling quotes by a further 10c/kg.

This left bullocks trading at €7.30/kg base price and heifers working off a €7.35-€7.40/kg base price. Cows haven’t escaped the cuts, with P+3 cows now back at €6.70-€6.80/kg.

The factory cuts have also impacted the mart trade, with store cattle back €100-€200/head in the last seven days. UK beef prices are steady with demand outstripping supply.

The Irish beef price remains on par with the British price. Factories aren’t expected to cut quotes next week, with the National Ploughing Championships being one of the factors in managing supplies.