Brazil beef production forecast to fall to 40 million head in 2026 Abiec warns of headwinds from China slump, EU antimicrobial rules6 August 2026 6 August 2026 1 minute read 1 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media South AmericaBrazil's beef production in 2026 should hit around 40 million head of cattle, versus around 42 million last year, Reuters reported, citing the president of the country’s Abiec beef lobby on Wednesday. Speaking at an industry event in Sao Paulo, Abiec president Roberto Perosa also warned the industry faced serious headwinds from wars, tariffs, and other issues. Brazilian beef exports face challenges largely from a sharp drop in shipments to China and uncertainty over exports to the European Union, the latter concerning restrictions of certain antimicrobial substances in food-producing animals. "We face geopolitical issues, slumps, tariffs, quotas, and safeguards imposed unilaterally. All of this creates further difficulties for the productive sector," Perosa told attendees at the International Animal Protein Trade Show.