China loses share of Argentine beef exports as US and Israel increase purchases

Argentina is reshaping its beef export structure, gradually reducing its dependence on the Chinese market while increasing shipments to the United States and Israel. According to the Argentine Chamber of Meat Industry and Trade (CICCRA), the country exported 335.5 thsd tons of beef during the first seven months of 2026. This was the second-highest volume for the corresponding period in the past 22 years, surpassed only by the 2024 result. Meanwhile, strong international demand and rising prices are supporting Argentina’s beef industry, which faces the need to rebuild its cattle herd.

The most significant changes are taking place in trade with China, which remains the largest buyer of Argentine beef but is gradually losing market share. Less than a year ago, China accounted for approximately two-thirds of Argentina’s beef exports by volume, but this share had fallen to 50% by July 2026. In value terms, China’s share declined from 49.7% to 35.3%. One of the reasons is the composition of shipments: Chinese importers mainly purchase lower-priced cuts for further processing, while other markets offer significantly higher export prices.

Meanwhile, the United States has substantially strengthened its position among buyers of Argentine beef. Between July 2023 and July 2026, the US share of Argentina’s beef export value increased from 6.9% to 20.8%. An important factor was the expansion of the preferential tariff quota for meat shipments from 20 thsd to 100 thsd tons, which Argentine exporters quickly utilized. Most beef shipped to the United States is intended for industrial processing, particularly hamburger production, although the country also imports high-quality cuts. The average export price for shipments to the US was $8,181/t, compared with $5,641/t for China.

Israel has also significantly increased its purchases of Argentine beef. Its share of export value rose from 13.6% to 20.1%, nearly matching the US figure. Shipments mainly consist of kosher beef, particularly forequarter cuts, for which demand remains strong. The average price of Argentine beef exported to Israel reached $12,065/t, more than twice the price paid by China. As a result, Israel’s growing importance allows Argentine exporters to increase foreign exchange earnings through sales of higher-priced products.

European buyers traditionally pay the highest prices for Argentine beef, importing premium cuts under the Hilton quota. These shipments are valued at $15,000–17,000/t. In July, the average export price to Germany reached $15,300/t, followed by the Netherlands at $15,558/t, Italy at $16,118/t and Spain at $16,787/t. The shift toward higher-value markets is allowing Argentina to increase its export earnings, although further growth in shipments will depend on the meat industry’s production capacity and the rebuilding of cattle herds needed to maintain stable beef supplies.

Tags: Israel, Beef cattle, USA, Argentina, China