Brazil Seeks Approval for More Beef Plants in Mexico Amid US Tariffs

Brazil is seeking Mexican approval to export beef from more plants as it seeks new markets after being hit by US tariffs. Mexican authorities will inspect 14 meatpacking plants in Brazil next month to ensure they meet export standards. The move comes as Brazil looks for new buyers after being hit with 50% tariffs from the US. So far this month, Mexico has purchased more than the US, becoming Brazil's second-largest market.

Brazil is taking steps to expand its beef exports to Mexico as it seeks new markets following the imposition of 50% tariffs by the United States. Mexican authorities will inspect 14 meatpacking plants in Brazil next month to ensure they meet export standards, according to the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (Abiec) [1].

The move comes as Brazil, which had been expanding shipments to the US, looks for alternative buyers. Mexican authorities will visit two facilities owned by JBS NV, one by Marfrig Global Foods SA, and three from Minerva SA, South America’s top beef shipper [1].

The tariffs, which were imposed on August 6, have significantly impacted Brazil's beef exports to the US. Mexico has now overtaken the US as the second-largest importer of Brazilian beef. Between August 1-25, Brazil exported 10,200 metric tons of beef to Mexico worth $58.8 million, compared to 7,800 tons worth $43.6 million to the US [2].

Brazil aims to increase the number of meatpacking plants authorized to export to Mexico. In the first seven months of 2025, Brazil exported 67,659 tons of beef to Mexico, worth $365 million, nearly triple the volume from the same period last year [2]. This growth indicates a strong demand for Brazilian beef in Mexico.

A Brazilian government mission is visiting Mexico this week to discuss a potential free trade agreement and renew the Package Against Inflation and High Prices (Pacic) for two years [2]. Abiec stated that while Mexico could potentially replace the US as a major market, the US remains a significant and important market for Brazilian beef exporters.

References:
[1] https://news.bloombergtax.com/international-trade/tariffs-hit-brazil-seeks-mexican-approval-for-more-beef-plants
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/mexico-overtakes-us-as-secondlargest-destination-for-brazilian-beef-in-august-abiec-says-4213124