Brazil beef group sees Philippines as key Southeast Asia gateway

SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL—An industry group is betting on Southeast Asia to drive global beef demand, citing rising incomes and purchasing power in the region.

The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) sees strong export potential in Southeast Asia, where beef consumption remains below levels in Brazil and North America.

READ: Brazil eyes steady beef exports to PH

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“That’s why all our bets are in Asia and Southeast Asia,” ABIEC Executive President Roberto Perosa said at a press briefing.

Perosa described the Philippines as “a great and important commercial partner” and said demand from Filipino buyers has been strong.

“There was a lot of demand from Filipino buyers. So we are very excited about the possibilities that may occur in the Philippines,” he said.

He expects Brazilian beef sales to the Philippines to grow through year-end, calling the country “an important destination, an important gateway to that region of the world, to Brazilian beef.”

Exports to Manila could reach 80,000 to 100,000 metric tons (MT) this year, roughly unchanged from 2025.

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ABIEC data showed shipments to Manila surged more than 6,700 percent to 96,200 MT in 2025 from 1,400 MT in 1997.

The group exported 35,878 MT in the first half of 2026, up 34.6 percent from 26,654 MT a year earlier.

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Perosa said beef shipments can be redirected to other markets during geopolitical disruptions.

“The beef market is very sensitive. When there is a geopolitical, war-related problem, the beef immediately moves to another destination,” he said. /pai