US beef imports rise 14.4% amid limited domestic supply

The United States continues to increase beef purchases from international markets amid limited domestic supply. In January–August 2026, US beef imports rose by 14.4% compared with the same period last year. According to forecasts, total imports could reach 2.9 mln tons by the end of the year. Rising demand from the US market is creating additional opportunities for major beef-exporting countries.

Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina are among the key suppliers seeking to expand their presence in the US market. Meanwhile, Colombia has been unable to benefit from rising demand due to the lack of the sanitary authorization required to export beef to the United States. According to José Félix Lafaurie Rivera, president of the Colombian Cattle Ranchers Federation (Fedegán), the country remains excluded from one of the world’s largest beef markets despite its geographical proximity and an existing free trade agreement.

Fedegán emphasizes that gaining access to the US market will require Colombia to accelerate compliance with sanitary requirements, improve livestock traceability systems and ensure consistent export supplies. According to Lafaurie, international meat trade requires long-term contracts and regular deliveries rather than occasional sales of surplus production. Achieving this will require coordination between government veterinary authorities, meat processors and livestock producers.

Additional opportunities for beef exports are also emerging in other markets. In Europe, declining cattle numbers amid rising production costs and stricter regulatory requirements could support increased demand for imported meat. However, access to the European market requires verified animal health standards, product traceability and compliance with environmental regulations. In Asia, China remains a major beef importer, while exporters are also exploring opportunities to expand shipments to other Asian countries and Middle Eastern markets.

Representatives of Colombia’s livestock industry also stress the need to improve production efficiency and develop meat processing. In particular, increasing added value through slaughtering, processing and exporting finished meat products could generate higher profitability compared with selling live cattle. According to Fedegán, continued growth in global beef demand offers favorable opportunities for exporters, but realizing this potential will depend on sanitary market access, product competitiveness and the ability to maintain reliable supplies.

Tags: Beef cattle, USA