SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Exports of fresh beef from Brazil reached a record 276,900 metric tons in July, according to trade data on Wednesday, showing a steep rise before a hefty U.S. tariff applied on sales from the world's biggest exporter.

July shipments exceeded those of the same month last year by nearly 17%, surpassing the previous monthly record from October 2024, when 270,300 tons of beef were shipped, the data showed.

Some 12% of Brazil's beef shipments go the United States, its second most important importer after China. Other key markets for Brazil include Mexico and the Middle East.

Brazilian exporter Astra, which sells 5% of its production to the U.S. from Parana state, said the company sent cargo this week to avoid the new duty, which is valid from today.

Astra ships beef to practically every port in the United States.

"We don't know what will happen," Diogo Oliveira, Astra's export coordinator, said in an interview. "My U.S. volume, although small, was consistent. And from September onward, I don't know if we'll have more business."

Brazil's beef sales have steadily grown this year, with strong demand from major importers.

In the first half, Brazil sent 181,400 tons of beef to the U.S. alone, which faces a persistent cattle shortage, and another 631,800 tons to the Chinese market.