Brazil has seen a significant surge in live cattle exports, with figures doubling from 2023 to 2025, as reported by Agrostat, a platform from the Ministry of Agriculture. Despite the criticism from animal welfare experts regarding the transportation of live cattle, which is often conducted via ships, the demand remains high. It is worth noting that the export of live cattle, which reached nearly 4 million kilograms, is significantly less than the export of beef, which surpassed 3 billion kilograms last year.

The primary motivation behind this trend includes a preference for fresh meat among some populations, as well as adherence to specific religious slaughter protocols. Live cattle are often bought by foreign countries for fattening and slaughter abroad, which leads to higher costs compared to purchasing chilled meat. As identified by Lincoln Bueno, the president of the Brazilian Association of Cattle Exporters (Abeg), this mode of trade faces higher transportation and production costs but continues to thrive due to consumer preferences.

As live cattle exports hit record levels, the ongoing debate between the livestock industry and environmental advocates intensifies. Critics argue that the welfare of animals during transportation is compromised, leading to calls for stricter regulations and more humane practices. Conversely, industry representatives maintain that this practice is essential for meeting consumer demands and maintaining Brazil's competitive edge in the global meat market, highlighting the conflicting interests in the agriculture sector in the context of both economy and ethics.