Salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market for salted, dried, or smoked beef in Brazil expanded from 3 562 t in 2018 to 6 000 t in 2020. This growth was initially supported by shifting consumer preferences toward artisanal and smoked products, which increased demand. In 2020, COVID‑19 disruptions in the supply chain significantly reduced exports, making more product available locally and pushing the market size to its peak.

After 2020, the market contracted, reaching 4 162 t by 2023, as exports recovered and then surged to over 3 000 t. Throughout this period, production continued to rise, aided by the entry of new artisanal brands focusing on traditional curing and smoking techniques. These producers catered to gourmet and specialized retail segments, helping to sustain output even as more product was directed overseas.

Brazilian regulations defining the technical processes for charque and carne seca, including moisture limits and permitted additives like nitrites, provided a stable framework for producers. This consistent legislative environment, coupled with the valorization of regional and artisanal products, underpinned the market's structure and supported quality differentiation across the entire period.

Production salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

World map of production of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

South America's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 6,036 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 3.0% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 6,223 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase occurring in 2018 at 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef from South America

Exports in kind, t

Exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef from South America declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 500 tonnes, representing a dramatic drop of 77.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 91.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -55.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Angola remained the dominant export partner for South America's salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef in volume terms, accounting for 82.7% of total flows. Other markets collectively formed a long tail with smaller shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef from South America declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 3,385 thousand US dollars, which is 68.3% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 89.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 52.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, Angola was the key buyer of South America's salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef in value terms, taking 77.1% of total exports. The remaining share was distributed among a diversified group of other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020

Imports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef to South America

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, South America's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef declined. In 2020, imports totaled 464 tonnes, reflecting a significant decrease of 10.6% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 34.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.3%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 519 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase also occurring in 2019 at 35.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, Canada dominated South America's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef in volume terms, accounting for 78.1% of total flows. Other sources contributed relatively small amounts.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

South America's import value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 1,080 thousand US dollars, showing an uptick of 6.4% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 9.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 754 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest year-on-year drop of 36.9%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 34.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, South America's import value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef was strongly concentrated on Canada, which accounted for 79.5% of total flows. Other partners made up the remainder of the imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020