Brazilian live cattle exports surge in March

Brazil has exported 156,292 head of live cattle during the March quarter, up 23% on-year and a record number for the period.

Venezuela has established itself as Brazil's main destination for these exports. The abolishment of incentives for cattle production has caused the country to rely on beef and cattle imports from neighbouring Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

The northern Brazilian state of Para continues to supply around 95% of total live cattle exports, of which 78% go to Venezuela and 22% to Lebanon. The state has the fifth largest herd in the country and cattle exports take the fourth place in its export revenues.

Out of total Brazilian live cattle exports, only 2% were breeding cattle, while the remainder was cattle destined for fattening and slaughter.