The Global Livestock Report

China’s safeguard was received unevenly across South American countries. Brazil was clearly the most affected, receiving a quota 350,000 tons lower (-24%) than the volume that arrived from Brazil in 2025. Argentina was allocated a similar volume (+8% versus 2025), while Uruguay received a quota 59% higher than its 2025 shipments to China. Bolivia, meanwhile, was exempt from quotas, as other regional exporters.

Among meat products rejected by General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), beef was the most rejected in December, with a total of 773.07 tons, OIG+X reported based on official data. Chicken followed, while pork and sheepmeat accounted for much smaller volumes.

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has issued a statement underscoring the need for rigorous implementation of animal welfare standards during transport.

Compared to the last market test, US beef import prices were slightly to moderately higher.

Limited trade pushed fed cattle prices higher, while reduced slaughter capacity and constrained supplies continue to shape the market, according to The AG Center.

While January–November beef exports to Korea, the leading value market, remained slightly ahead of the 2024 pace, beef and variety meat shipments in November declined 20% to 17,258 mt, valued at US$ 176.2 million (down 15%). Through the first 11 months of 2025, exports were 1% higher year-on-year in both volume (211,665 mt) and value (US$ 2.02 billion), surpassing the US$ 2 billion mark for the fifth consecutive year.