ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s May 2025 Beef Exports Surge 15.7% MoM to 49,281 mt

New Zealand’s beef exports rebounded in May 2025, posting a solid 15.7% rise from April to 49,281 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.

Volumes rose 6,676 mt month-on-month (MoM) driven by stronger shipments to the United States (US), China, and Canada. Modest gains to the United Kingdom (UK), Taiwan, and Japan also contributed to the higher May figures.

On the contrary, annual growth continued to be hindered by lower cattle kills. Yearly figures fell 10.2% or 5,581 mt, led by reduced shipments to China and Japan. Allocations to New Zealand’s...

As China Obstacles Persist, Promotions Move More U.S. Beef Short Plate in Korea

International demand is critical for U.S. beef short plate, about 95% of which is exported. Major destinations include Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan, where short plate is typically sliced thin, marinated and served in hot pot and Korean barbecue-style meals.

U.S. short plate commands a significant premium in these key Asian markets compared to being utilized domestically. But short plate is just one of the U.S. beef cuts entangled in the current trade impasse with China. When China imposed its countermeasures in response to U.S...

ANALYSIS: China’s May 2025 Beef Imports Slips 7.1% MOM to 194,529 mt

China’s total beef imports fell for the second consecutive month, dropping 7.1% month-on-month (MOM) to 194,529 mt in May 2025, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Shipments declined by 14,832 mt, led by lower volumes from most major suppliers. Brazil was the exception, partially offsetting the overall drop.

On a year-on-year (YOY) basis, imports fell 17.0% (-39,920 mt), pressured by weak consumption, a bearish macroeconomic outlook, and higher domestic production. Sweltering summer weather...

ANALYSIS: Korea’s April 2025 Beef Imports Slip MoM to 38,068 mt

Korea’s beef imports in the month of April 2025 amounted to 38,068 metric tons (mt), slipping 5.3% month-on-month (MoM), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service.

In line with historical trends, the 2,130 mt monthly decrease was driven by lower in-bound shipments across key suppliers such as the United States (US), Australia, Canada and New Zealand.  

Annually, April imports firmed 1.5% year-on-year (YoY), a modest increase of 555 mt, led by higher tonnage from Australia and New Zealand while supply from the...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s April 2025 Beef Exports Rebound 18.5% MoM as Cyclone Effects Fade

Australia exported 127,173 metric tons (mt) of beef in April 2025, up 18.5% month-on-month, as shipments rebounded sharply from a weather-disrupted March, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Shipments recovered following logistical interruptions caused by Ex-cyclone Alfred, during Australia’s most active tropical cyclone season in two decades. Port closures and road disruptions across Queensland, the country's key processing hub, had weighed heavily...

ANALYSIS: China Set to Trigger Safeguard Mechanism on Australian Beef Imports for the 5th Time

Australian beef imports into China may soon face a 12.0% Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rate, as the Special Agricultural Safeguard (SSG) mechanism is set to trigger for the fifth time.

Following previous activations in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023, this tariff applies for the remainer of the year if imports from Australia exceed 178,418 mt in 2024.

Based on the data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, imports from Australia at the end of July...