A GEOGRAFIA DAS REDES DE EXPORTAÇÕES DE CARNE BOVINA BRASILEIRA: as interações espaciais dos transportes e conexões com os mercados globais

Abstract

Since the 1970, the globalization of capital and the financialization of the economy have transformed global trade dynamics. In the beef market between 2001 and 2022, the United States, Brazil, China, Argentina, and Australia led production; Australia, the United States, Brazil, the Netherlands, and India stood out as major exporters; while the United States, China, Japan, Italy, and Germany were the main importers. This study aims to analyze the spatial dynamics of transport networks in the distribution of Brazilian beef exports from 2001 to 2022. The methodology was based on theoretical construction related to the aforementioned themes, collection of secondary data, spatialization, and analysis of the information obtained. China was the leading importer, while the United States simultaneously played the role of major producer, exporter, and importer. Despite its importance as a producer and exporter, Brazil faces logistical challenges, especially due to its reliance on road transport. States such as Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Pará, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Bahia, and São Paulo concentrate the largest herds, pasture areas, slaughterhouses, and slaughter volumes. São Paulo leads beef exports, even with a smaller herd. Brazilian exports of live cattle and beef increased significantly during the period. Pará led in the shipment of live cattle, mainly through the ports of Vila do Conde and Belém, to markets such as Venezuela, Egypt, and Turkey. Approximately 12% of the beef produced was exported, with São Paulo, Mato Grosso, and Goiás as key contributors. The Port of Santos accounted for nearly 65% of the export value, with China, Russia, Hong Kong, and Egypt as main destinations. Despite logistical bottlenecks, deficiencies in transport infrastructure, and occasional crises, Brazil has managed to maintain a minimum level of efficiency in its beef exports