China’s beef imports fuel global market growth and support higher prices

China continues to expand its beef imports, providing support to the global meat market and pushing prices higher. According to Rosgan, China imported 1.53 mln tons of beef during January–June 2026, an increase of 17.5% compared with the same period last year. At the same time, the country’s annual import quota stands at 2.69 mln tons, which is lower than the total volume imported in 2025.

Analysts say the current pace of imports could either force a significant slowdown in purchases during the second half of the year or lead to an early exhaustion of the annual quota. Either scenario could support international beef prices by tightening available supplies for the world’s largest importer.

After slowing between March and May, China’s beef imports accelerated again in June, reaching 246 thsd tons, up 19% from the previous month. One reason for the rebound may be the rapid use of export quotas by key suppliers. Australia has already exhausted its annual quota of 205 thsd tons, while Brazil has used 872 thsd tons of its 1.106 mln-ton allocation, or more than 80%.

Argentina, meanwhile, has used its quota at a more balanced pace. During the first half of the year, it exported 239.5 thsd tons of beef to China out of its annual quota of 511 thsd tons, up 12% year-on-year. At the same time, China’s average import prices for beef have continued to rise, increasing by around 10% at the beginning of the year and by more than 30% year-on-year by the end of the first half.

The stronger demand has already lifted export prices. Argentine FOB beef prices have increased by $200–300 per ton in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Brazil is negotiating with China on the creation of bonded warehouses to store products until new import quotas become available, while also discussing a possible quota swap with Uruguay. Analysts believe that if Brazil exhausts its quota ahead of schedule, Argentine exporters will have an opportunity to expand their share of the Chinese beef market.

Tags: China, Beef cattle