Argentine beef exporters discuss how to deal with restrictions imposed by China

In 2025, the meat processing industry recorded record export figures. However, a new national situation, in which government deregulation is being implemented, coexists with the uncertainty created by restrictions imposed by China. The freedom they once fought for is now being transformed into regulation.

Argentine meat exporters are experiencing a period of contrasts. On the one hand, they are celebrating a historic record in 2025, but on the other, they are facing a challenging national situation in 2026 that threatens to disrupt the dynamics of the entire livestock supply chain.

The government reported that Argentina achieved a record level of beef exports in foreign currency in 2025, with sales amounting to $3.7 million, an increase of 22.3% over the previous year. Additionally, 853,183 tons of beef (in carcass weight equivalent) were shipped, amid a more than 30% increase in international prices.

Of the total export volume, approximately 500,000 tons were destined for China. However, instead of celebrating this newfound freedom, the meat industry has been experiencing days of uncertainty since the Asian country announced precautionary measures to protect its own livestock industry.

China has decided to impose meat import quotas for the next three years. Under this measure, countries cannot export more than their allocated volumes, otherwise they will face a crippling 55 percent tariff. The system took effect on January 1, and for Argentina, the quota is set at 511,000 tons, regardless of quality, cut, or price.

A dilemma for the Argentine meat supply chain

The news was initially greeted with relief. Argentina was the least affected by sanctions and received a quota very close to its 2025 export volume. The limit was only 11,307 tons above what was sold last year, avoiding an immediate supply cut.

However, exporters fear that a lack of coordination could lead to business collapse, saturation of the Chinese market in the first half of the year, and negative consequences. Excessive pressure on the Chinese market could trigger a drop in meat prices there, while in Argentina, this would lead to an increase in livestock prices. The industry is talking about the “Twelfth Gate effect”—a metaphor reflecting the danger of disorder with serious consequences.

Meat processors expected government intervention to allocate the quota, similar to the Hilton quota for Europe or the US quota. However, Beijing has made it clear that it does not want government interference and that its only concern is that no more than 511,000 tons of Argentine beef enter the country by 2026.

Concerns about chaos among meat processing plants and exporters

The Ministry of Agriculture, led by Sergio Iraeta, announced that the system would be completely open. “The quota will be used on a first-come, first-served basis,” they told exporters, explaining that the quota would be used on a first-served basis and that no new shipments would be accepted once it was exhausted.

This decision has created even more uncertainty. “Some companies may get ahead of the curve, while others fear they won’t have enough space,” industry sources acknowledged. A lack of discipline and solidarity in the meat industry could lead to chaos and turn a triumphant situation into a disaster.

Within the ABC consortium, a heated debate has erupted over this complex issue. Most meat processing plants believe it is necessary to insist on stronger government intervention to distribute the 511,000 tons and prevent a situation where some gain an advantage at the expense of others.

The Role of Swift, Rioplatense, and Arre Beef

In 2025, approximately 100 companies exported meat to China. Of these, approximately 40 had certified processing facilities, while the rest were producers, slaughterhouses, or intermediaries using certified facilities to provide services. There are even Chinese operators operating in Argentina and selling meat to their home country.

Most of the business comes from meat processing plants with certified facilities. Swift leads the way with 45,268 tons, followed by Rioplatense with 44,687 tons, and Arre Beef with 36,950 tons. Other groups, such as Gorina, Quikfood, and Grupo Lequio, also played a significant role. Together, these six companies export over 200,000 tons of product.

The rest of the business is divided among companies such as Coto, La Anónima, Frimsa, Logros, and others, each exporting between 10,000 and 20,000 tons. No one wants to be left behind in what promises to be a decisive year for the future of the sector, explains Bichos de Campo.

In this regard, some leading meat processing companies are exploiting any situation to their advantage. “Even previous export bans were used to their advantage,” industry sources note, pointing out that the lack of clear regulations always ultimately plays into the hands of the most powerful players.

Thus, the Argentine meat processing industry faces a dilemma. Record production volumes in 2025 stand in stark contrast to the uncertainty of 2026, when discipline and coordination will be key to avoiding collapse. The task is enormous, and the outcome remains uncertain.

Tags: China, Beef cattle, Argentina