Published in News
US Beef Trade: Imports Rise, Exports Expand
Strong demand and smaller cattle herds push the United States to import more beef, while new trade deals open export opportunities.
Martina Osmak
Director of Marketing
U.S. Imports More Beef in 2025
The United States imported 1.61 million tons of beef in 2025, about 9% more than the year before. Imports are rising because cattle numbers in the country are falling and local production is tight.
Main Beef Suppliers to the U.S.
The top countries selling beef to the U.S. in 2025 were:
Australia – 460,000 tons
Canada – 275,000 tons
Brazil – 232,000 tons
Mexico – 230,000 tons
New Zealand – 180,000 tons
Argentina – 39,000 tons
Australia remained the largest supplier. However, Argentina is growing quickly.
Argentina Gains Ground
In January 2026, Argentine beef shipments to the U.S. reached 5,900 tons. This was 118% higher than the same month one year earlier.
Argentina now has a new total quota of 100,000 tons for the U.S. market. If it uses all of this quota, it would become the seventh largest beef exporter to the United States.
Most of the new quota is for lean beef trimmings. These are mixed with higher-fat U.S. beef to make lean ground beef, which is popular with American consumers.
Industry analysts say imports are helping the U.S. market. They balance fat levels and support the value of domestic beef rather than replacing it.
U.S. Cattle Numbers at Historic Lows
Beef imports are increasing at a time when U.S. cattle supplies are shrinking.
As of January 1, 2026:
Total cattle inventory stood at 86.2 million head, the lowest level since 1951.
Weaned calves totaled 32.9 million head, the lowest since 1941.
High cattle prices are encouraging ranchers to sell heifers for slaughter instead of keeping them for breeding. This means herd recovery may not begin before 2027.
Prices remain strong:
Light feeder calves: around US$10 per kg live weight
Finished steers: about US$8 per kg carcass weight
Despite high prices, the U.S. beef trade deficit has reached more than 1.6 million metric tons per year.
At the same time, Brazil could surpass the United States as the world’s largest cattle producer by the end of 2025.
Global demand for beef remains strong, with buyers in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and China increasing purchases.
New U.S.–Taiwan Agreement Supports Beef Exports
While imports are rising, the United States is also expanding export opportunities.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced a new Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Taiwan.
The agreement removes tariffs and non-tariff barriers on U.S. products, including beef and pork.
Why Taiwan Is Important
Taiwan is:
The fifth largest market for U.S. beef
Worth about $650 million in exports
One of the fastest-growing destinations for American beef
The U.S. is already the largest supplier of beef to Taiwan. Removing tariffs will improve competitiveness and may increase sales.
According to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), exports play a major role in producer income. In 2024, beef exports added more than $415 per fed animal processed in the United States.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) also sees growth potential, especially for products used in yakiniku barbecue and premium burger concepts.
A Changing Trade Landscape
The U.S. beef industry is facing a unique situation:
Cattle numbers are low.
Imports are increasing to meet demand.
Export markets are expanding through new agreements.
Global demand remains strong.
For Argentina and other suppliers, 2026 offers opportunities in the U.S. market.
For American producers, stronger export access — such as the new agreement with Taiwan — provides added value during a period of limited domestic supply.
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