In 2024, China's beef import market maintained a relatively stable pattern, with several countries holding significant positions in beef exports to China. According to information gathered from the International Food Exhibition, China's beef imports in 2024 were sourced from a wide range of countries, totaling 27. Among them, the three South American countries took the lead, with Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay accounting for 218,000 tons of the 287,000 tons of imported beef, representing 76% of the total. Brazil topped the list with a supply of 134,000 tons, accounting for 47%, while Argentina provided 59.5,000 tons and Uruguay 24.4,000 tons, ranking second and third, respectively. Other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States also held certain shares in China's beef import market.

Ranking and Detailed Analysis of China's Major Beef Importing Countries in 2024:

Brazil:With an export volume of 134,000 tons, Brazil accounted for 46.6% of China's total beef imports, firmly holding the top position. In recent years, Brazil's beef exports to China have been growing continuously. As a leading producer and exporter in the global beef market, Brazil boasts vast pastures and advanced breeding techniques, giving it strong competitiveness in both price and supply. A large quantity of Brazilian beef is transported to China via sea routes, arriving at ports in Shandong, Shanghai, and Guangdong. These regions have high port throughput and well-developed cold chain logistics, enabling the rapid distribution of beef to markets across the country.

Argentina:Argentina ranked second with an export volume of 59.5,000 tons, representing 20.7% of the total. The country is known for its high-quality natural pastures, which produce excellent beef renowned for its tender texture and rich flavor. The continuous growth in demand for Argentine beef in China is mainly due to its unique flavor and stable quality. In the past, Argentine beef had already secured a certain market share in China with its distinctive taste. With the deepening of trade cooperation between the two countries, the import volume of Argentine beef has been gradually increasing.

Uruguay:Uruguay's export volume reached 24.4,000 tons, accounting for 8.5% of the total imports and ranking third. As a traditional beef exporter, Uruguay has a strict quality supervision system to ensure the quality of its exported beef. Uruguayan beef, primarily grass-fed, is characterized by its firmer texture and lower fat content, meeting the health-conscious demands of some consumers. Uruguayan beef exported to China has also gained popularity among domestic consumers, especially in high-end supermarkets in regions with high beef quality requirements, such as Beijing and Shanghai, where it enjoys considerable sales.

Australia:Australia ranked fourth as a beef supplier to China, accounting for 7.5% of the total imports. The country's highly developed livestock industry has a mature system for beef breeding, processing, and export. Australian beef, mainly grain-fed, is known for its tender and juicy texture, abundant marbling, and delicate flavor, which appeals to China's mid-to-high-end consumers. However, fluctuations in China-Australia trade relations can somewhat impact the volume and price of Australian beef exports to China.

New Zealand:New Zealand ranked fifth, accounting for 5.2% of China's total beef imports. With its pristine natural environment, New Zealand's grass-fed beef is recognized by Chinese consumers for its natural, green, and healthy image. The beef is characterized by its refreshing taste and rich aroma, and it meets strict food safety standards. These qualities have helped it secure a place in China's competitive beef market.

United States:The United States ranked sixth, accounting for 4.8% of China's total beef imports. The U.S. beef industry is highly scaled and efficient, offering certain price advantages. However, trade policies between China and the U.S., as well as consumer perceptions and acceptance of American beef, can influence its import volume. In recent years, with the growing demand for beef in China, the U.S. has been actively expanding its market share for beef in China.

In 2024, China's beef imports were relatively concentrated, with these six countries accounting for 93.3% of the total. The beef from these countries, each with its own strengths, has met the diverse demands of the Chinese market. However, on December 27, 2024, in response to requests from domestic beef industry representatives, the Ministry of Commerce announced an investigation into safeguard measures for imported beef. This move may have a certain impact on China's beef import pattern in the future.

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Source: WorldFoods

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