U.S. Imports of Brazilian Beef Surged in First Quarter

Brazilian beef exports to the U.S. are booming, according to monthly USDA trade data released recently. According to the report, Brazilian meat packers shipped $795 million in beef to the U.S. in the first three months of this year, up 21% from a year ago. Last year marked a record for Brazilian beef shipments to the U.S., topping $1.75 billion, up 39% from 2024.

With U.S. consumer demand for beef at a high level, beef imports in total are exploding at $4.5 billion through March, up 28% from a year ago. That comes after record beef imports at $13.75 billion in 2025, up nearly $2.5 billion from a year earlier. In comparison, U.S. packers last year exported $9.3 billion in beef, down nearly 11% from 2024. So far, the dollar value of U.S. beef exports is down 13% for the first quarter of 2026.

Brazil Beef Industry Seeks Removal of U.S. Import Quotas

Valor International's Clarice Couto and Danton Boatini Júnior reported that Brazil's beef industry is calling on President Lula to include a revision of U.S. import quotas for Brazilian beef in talks with President Donald Trump.

The request comes from the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC), which argues that current quota arrangements limit Brazil's access to the U.S. market. Under the existing system, Brazil shares a tariff-rate quota with other countries, allowing shipments of about 50,000 tons of beef at a reduced tariff. Exports beyond that threshold face a 26.4% duty, according to ABIEC.

With U.S. cattle supplies constrained, imports of Brazilian beef have been rising--even outside the quota. The 50,000-ton quota was fully utilized in the first month of the year, said ABIEC President Roberto Perosa. Exporters are seeking either a dedicated quota for Brazil or an expansion of the current allowance, according to Perosa. He argued that, “Increasing access would benefit both countries, as U.S. beef prices remain elevated while Brazil has the capacity to meet U.S. demand."

Brazil Nears China Beef Quota, Which Could Redirect More Exports to U.S.

Bloomberg's Dayanne Sousa reported that "the world's top beef exporter Brazil is close to reaching its annual quota for shipments to its biggest buyer China, a situation that's set to redraw trade flows at a time when global consumers are facing higher meat prices."

"China sought to protect its domestic farmers and producers at the start of 2026 by imposing beef import quotas. That's spurred Brazilian meatpackers to rush goods to the Asian nation's ports, and the limit is now looking to be met before the year is half over, according to analysts and industry data," Sousa reported. "With a 55% tariff on any additional volumes, the looming quota fulfillment will likely bring Brazil's trade with China to a halt. The scenario has presented a challenge for Brazil's meat industry, with expectations for a slowdown in slaughtering."

"It may be good news for consumers outside of China, however, as meatpackers seek other markets. That could boost supplies and potentially ease prices that have surged to record highs amid strong demand and limited supply," says Sousa. "Shipments from Brazil to the U.S. will be key. Demand has been strong on the back of a massive cattle shortage and elevated beef prices in North America."

EDITOR’S TAKE:

The U.S. beef industry has experienced strong demand for their products, while supplies have remained constrained. Cattle are selling for record prices, even replacement heifers used to expand future production, are selling at a premium. Domestic production has been under pressure, and the Trump Administration has hinted at expanding imports. Is this the right time and opportunity to lower quotas and tariffs? Well, consumers are very concerned about “affordability”. Gasoline prices have spiked due to the war in Iran. Some grocery prices have fallen, but meat, particularly beef prices, remains higher at the grocery store. Don’t be surprised if a deal is made with Brazil soon that would allow more beef to be imported into the U.S. to lower prices and help improve affordability ahead of the midterm elections.

In the interim, be sure to place livestock producers in your area at the very top of your customer prospect list. They are likely very profitable and have the funds to purchase that new or used truck or SUV. Also, be sure your inventory is listed on AgTruckTrader.com® where these prospective customers can see what you have to offer and that you are a CAD member. Finally, be sure to have an AGwagon or two on your lot just in case they want to upgrade to a truck that was designed by farmers/ranchers for farmers/ranchers!