Brazil could export a record volume of beef for a second consecutive year, with demand being driven by China, the Reuters news agency reports.

The South American nation is estimated to export 1.626 million tonnes of beef this year, the most ever, according to Abiec, an industry group that represents more than 30 Brazilian meat packing companies.

Abiec president Antônio Camardelli was quoted as saying exports could reach another new record of 1.8 million tonnes next year. “China is and will remain the main export destination,” he added.

Mainland China and Hong Kong have accounted for 44 percent of Brazil’s beef exports so far this year, the report said. Mainland China is expected to take 431,000 tonnes of Brazilian beef next year, up from a forecast of about 328,000 tonnes this year.

Brazil’s beef exports will generate about US$7.26 billion in revenue this year, up from an estimated US$6.54 billion last year, Abiec said.