Article by Fernando Blini, CEO of GFS, published on July 21, 2026 in Gazeta do Povo
Over the past decade, Brazil has consolidated its global leadership in animal protein production and exports, with average annual growth in the double digits. Today the country serves more than 150 nations with beef, pork and poultry, a multibillion-dollar market involving thousands of producers, processors and billions of consumers. In an article published in Gazeta do Povo, Fernando Blini, CEO of GFS, examines what sustains this leading role and the risks the sector needs to watch to keep it.
Leadership takes more than production capacity
According to Blini, Brazil’s rise in international meat trade cannot be explained by supply and demand alone. Production capacity and sanitary rigor remain the foundation, but sustainability, especially emissions reduction, has become a new competitive edge for access to strategic markets. In the author’s view, the sector’s competitiveness now depends on excellence, efficiency and governance across the entire production chain, from farm to final consumer.
Protectionist barriers and sanitary safety
The article points to the rise of protectionist barriers in international trade, such as U.S. tariff policies, European Union import restrictions and China’s quotas on beef, often justified by questionable commercial or sanitary arguments. Blini draws an important distinction: sanitary safety must be treated as an absolute prerequisite and allows no concessions, while economic barriers shift with political interests and depend on bilateral or bloc agreements.
The role of science and data
To shield itself from international market volatility, the article argues, the sector must rely on science and consistent data. Research, development and innovation are presented as essential tools not only for food security but also for strengthening GDP, creating jobs and attracting foreign currency to the country.
Results from the past decade
Based on data from Secex and Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, the article shows that Brazil became the world’s largest exporter of chicken and beef and the second largest of pork, behind only the United States. Between 2015 and 2025, Brazilian chicken exports grew 25%, pork exports rose 180% and beef exports increased 188%. Total exports are expected to approach or exceed 10 million metric tons in 2026.
About the article
The article was written by Fernando Blini, animal scientist and CEO of Global Feed Solutions (GFS), and published in the Opinion section of Gazeta do Povo on July 21, 2026.
Read Fernando Blini’s full article in Gazeta do Povo
