China Stops Buying Meat from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mongolia
China has stopped beef imports from several suppliers in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mongolia due to market oversupply and regulatory concerns, impacting global meat trade.
China has decided to stop importing beef from several meatpacking companies in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mongolia. The ban, effective from March 3, 2025, affects seven facilities, including two in Argentina, three in Brazil, one in Uruguay, and one in Mongolia. Although Chinese authorities did not give an official reason, it is likely connected to an oversupply of beef in China, which has pushed domestic prices to very low levels.
Why Did China Take This Step?
Last year, China imported a record 2.87 million metric tons of beef, leading to a saturated market. The Ministry of Commerce has been investigating how this large volume of imports affects local farmers. The decision to suspend certain suppliers might be an attempt to control the market and support domestic beef producers.
In Brazil, the suspensions are related to regulatory compliance issues. The Brazilian Association of Meat Exporters (Abiec) stated that the affected companies are working to meet China’s requirements so they can resume exports.
Impact on Argentine Meat Packers
One of the biggest Argentine exporters affected, Frigorífico Regional General Las Heras SA, has been struggling with currency exchange rate issues. The company fell behind on deliveries, with 70 containers delayed in late 2024. Business representatives explained that the plant had been closed for part of the year for renovations to meet European standards, leading to operational delays. Now, they are working to resolve the backlog, but the unfavorable exchange rate makes profitability difficult.
The company noted that its slaughterhouse is not operating at full capacity, processing only about 1,000 cattle per week. While they expect to resolve the issue in the next few months, they acknowledge that some business partners are losing patience.
Global Trade Effects
China is the world’s largest beef importer, relying heavily on Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. This suspension could affect global beef markets, especially since China has also imposed a 10% tariff on US beef starting March 10, 2025. Major beef-exporting countries like Australia and the United States will be watching closely to see how China’s trade policies evolve.
China’s move highlights its efforts to stabilize its domestic market while balancing trade relations. The outcome of its ongoing investigation into beef imports could determine future restrictions and trade patterns for key global meat suppliers.