Beef Trade: US Imports & Exports, Australia, Uruguay, Paraguay – January/November 2025 Data

Global beef trade continues to be reshaped by shifting production levels, evolving trade agreements, and fluctuating demand, according to recent data. While the United States remains a key player in both import and export markets, its position is increasingly influenced by factors including domestic herd sizes and international tariffs.

US Beef Trade: Imports Rise as Domestic Production Faces Challenges

The United States imported $5.86 billion worth of beef in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year, and $2.54 billion in the first five months of 2025, according to US import data. This surge in imports comes as the US cattle herd experiences historic lows, creating a supply gap that overseas producers are filling. The US ranks second in volume of beef imports (2.2 million metric tons) globally, behind only China.

Australia and Brazil are currently the primary suppliers of foreign beef to the United States. Australian beef imports have grown, driven by its reputation for high-quality grass-fed beef. Brazilian beef imports have also increased as Brazil expands its global export footprint and offers competitive pricing. In November 2024, the US imported 187,000 metric tons of beef, a 2% increase year-over-year. Over the first eleven months of 2025, total imports reached 2.3 million tons, an 18% increase.

Despite being a major importer, the US also remains a significant beef exporter, ranking fourth globally with 1.2 million metric tons exported in 2025. However, US beef exports have faced headwinds. Sales to key destinations like China have declined substantially, falling by 64% from 2024 levels. This decline began in April 2025, coinciding with trade tensions. US beef exports totaled 795,000 metric tons through November 2025, a 13% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.

Trade Dynamics in North America

The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) continues to facilitate trade, with a recently removed 10% tariff on Australian beef exports restoring zero-tariff access. This tariff had been briefly implemented in April 2025 as part of reciprocal measures.

Canada and Mexico also remain important trade partners for the US. While sales to these countries have remained relatively stable, with fluctuations of less than 10% compared to the previous year, Mexico experienced a 13% change.

South American Export Trends

Uruguay’s beef exports in January 2026 reached 33,000 metric tons, a 16% decrease year-over-year. The US remains its primary destination, purchasing 15,000 metric tons, a 3% increase. However, exports to China decreased by 39% to 8,000 metric tons. The European Union increased its purchases by 2% to 3,500 metric tons.

Paraguay experienced a more significant decline in beef exports in January 2026, with shipments falling 32% to 18,000 metric tons, attributed to a reduced supply of animals. While exports to Chile, its primary destination, mirrored this decline, sales to the US increased substantially by 90%, and to Israel by 24%. The average price for Paraguayan beef rose to USD 6,500 per ton, a 16% increase year-over-year.

Global Beef Market Overview

Brazil currently holds the position of the world’s largest beef exporter, shipping 3.75 million metric tons. Australia and India follow as the second and third largest exporters, respectively. The United States is a major player, remaining in the top 5 for both beef exports and imports.

According to data through November 2025, Australia increased its shipments to the US by 25%. Brazil also saw a significant increase in exports to the US, reaching 413,000 metric tons, just 7,000 tons less than Australia, despite facing tariff challenges. Paraguay increased its exports to the US by 147% to 47,000 metric tons, while Argentina increased its exports by 27% to 52,000 metric tons. Uruguay, with a similar quota to Argentina, increased its exports by 18% to 151,000 metric tons.

The USDA provides monthly and annual data on livestock and meat international trade, including live cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, chicken, turkey, and eggs. This data is aggregated by commodity and converted to carcass-weight-equivalent pounds for meat products and dozen equivalents for eggs, and can be used to analyze trends alongside domestic production data and WASDE estimates. The Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook report provides timely analysis and discussion of these trends.