ANALYSIS: Japan’s Nov 2025 Beef Imports Contract from Six-Month Highs as Demand Cools

Japan’s beef imports in November 2025 slumped from its six-month high at 38,732 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data released by Japan’s Trade Statistics.

Inbound volumes plunged a hefty 21.3% month-on-month (MOM) (-10,453 mt) across major suppliers.

Despite weak domestic consumption, imports by the world’s third-largest beef buyer rose 11.9% year-on-year (YOY), an increase of 4,113 mt, reflecting gains from a lower base earlier in the year.

Rising global beef prices and higher yen-denominated costs from a...

ANALYSIS: The Aftermath of a Year with Record Low Select Grading

Select grading has been declining since around August, with two record lows set in December. This decline is partly due to reduced feeder cattle imports from Mexico. Other contributing factors include improving domestic cattle genetics and higher cattle prices, which are prompting some producers to hold onto cattle longer to increase their weights. This practice results in more cattle grading Prime and Choice.

This shift in grading has significantly affected Select material availability, as evidenced by the Select loin cutout price. Comparing...

ANALYSIS: Brazil's December Beef Exports Fell 4.2% MOM, 2025 Total Volume Up 21.4% to 3.09m MT

According to the latest data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, beef exports reached 304,977 mt in December 2025, declining 4.2% from November. Despite the monthly pullback, volumes were 50.6% higher than last year. On a cumulative basis, exports totaled 3,090,469 mt in 2025, representing a 21.4% growth compared to 2024.

China remained Brazil’s largest destination by far, even though December volumes eased 15.3% month-over-month (MOM) to...

Subway Launches Resolution-Ready, Protein-Packed Menu to Meet Consumer Demand

Aligned with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030, Subway is reinforcing its commitment to protein-forward, value-driven menu innovations. The brand is kicking off the new year with "resolution-ready" offerings designed to meet evolving consumer demand for affordable, better-for-you choices.

Subway’s New Year lineup delivers on what consumers continue to prioritize: "protein power" at an accessible price point.

On Jan 8, Subway introducesd its all-new Protein Pockets, each delivering more than 20g of protein, paired with fresh vegetables...

ANALYSIS: Uruguay’s December 2025 Beef Exports Ease 5.2% MOM; Annual Volumes Up 11.2% to 390,334 mt

The latest data from Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate showed that fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports totaled 33,364 mt in December 2025, declining 5.2% month-over-month (MOM) from November. Despite the monthly pullback, December volumes were 23.6% higher year-over-year (YOY), while 2025 shipments grew 11.2% to a total of 390,334 mt.

The United States remained the leading destination in December, marking a monthly growth of 7.9% to 13,354 mt, up 61.3% YOY. 2025 beef exports to the...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s 2025 Beef Exports Soar to New Highs at 1.54M MT

Australia’s total beef exports in 2025 soared past 1.5 million metric tons (mt), surpassing previous records, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

On an annual basis, export volumes rose a solid 15.0% year-on-year (YOY) or 202,189 mt...

Checkers & Rally's Joins the Value War with $5 MVP Meal Deal 

The fast-food "value war" continues, with Checkers & Rally’s joining the fray as consumers seek quality meals without breaking the bank.

The brand’s new $5 MVP Meal Deal includes a choice of sandwich, value-sized fries, a small drink, and a classic apple pie for dessert.

Guests can choose from a Mushroom Swiss Burger featuring a seasoned 100% beef patty, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, or the Cheese Double made with a quarter pound of seasoned beef and melted cheese.

The Retail Rundown: New Year's Resolutions Sustain Protein Demand 

January ushers in seasonal headwinds that typically temper consumer spending, as post-holiday budget pressures encourage more cautious purchasing behavior.

While retail traffic generally softens after the holidays, protein demand remains resilient, supported by early-year wellness goals. Protein also continues to anchor merchandising strategies across foodservice as operators adjust to shifting consumer habits, including the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

Restaurants Turn Up the Heat with Comfort Foods, Value Deals, and Returning Favorites

New year, new menus — restaurants are kicking off the year with fresh spins on classics and brand-new culinary creations.

In Expana’s latest Foodservice Round Up of the Year, "value"was pinned as the buzzword of 2025. Customers want (and need) quality without breaking the bank.

That theme looks set to retain its prominence heading into 2026.

With QSRs taking the lead in what’s been coined the "Value Wars," restaurants like Applebee’s and Chili’s have leaned heavily into “2 for” deals, often pairing an appetizer...

ANALYSIS: China’s Beef Trade Braces for Change as 2026 Safeguard Quotas Come into Play 

As China signals a harder line on beef imports with a steep 55% tariff on shipments exceeding country-specific quotas, Brazil and Australia stand out as the suppliers most susceptible to disruption.  

This latest safeguard measure, announced by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on December 31, stands to reconfigure trade flows by curbing import volumes to China, the world’s largest beef market.  

In this analysis, we examine the potential market impacts, and what to expect for global beef markets in the months ahead. 

China’s Safeguard Tariff Explained...

ANALYSIS: Tighter Cattle Supplies and Rising Costs Set to Shape Irish Beef Prices in 2026

The Expana price for cattle steer in Ireland stood at €7.27/kg in the week ending December 10, 2025, representing a 2.9% decline month-over-month (MOM), while remaining sharply higher on an annual basis, up 31.2% year-over-year (YOY). Despite the recent monthly easing, prices continue to reflect tight supply conditions and strong underlying market fundamentals. 

Ireland exports approximately 90% of its beef production, meaning global market conditions play a decisive role in shaping domestic cattle prices. While short-term fluctuations in local supply can influence prices temporarily, export market trends remain...

China Imposes Additional 55% Tariffs on Imported Beef

China today (December 31) imposed additional 55% tariffs on beef imports from countries ⁠including Brazil, Australia and the US when shipments exceed certain quotas, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).

The tariffs will apply to imported beef, effective January 1, 2026, according to the ministry.

The measures take effect ahead of the investigation’s revised January 26 deadline, marking a sharp shift in the pace of the case, with many of the most affected suppliers caught during the year-end Christmas and New Year closures.

A Chinese importer told Expana today

Burger King® and Popeyes® Announce New Head Chefs

Burger King® and Popeyes® have each announced a new Head Chef – promoting existing top talent within Restaurant Brands International (RBI).

Amy Alarcon has been appointed Head Chef for Burger King, U.S. & Canada, following 18 years as a culinary leader and Head Chef at Popeyes. Amy previously led Popeyes’ success in shaping the brand’s culinary identity and driving category-defining menu innovation, including the iconic Popeyes Chicken Sandwich.

In her new role, Chef Amy will lead the Burger King culinary strategy...

Crayola Launches Global McDonald's Happy Meal® Experience That's Out-of-This-World

Crayola has teamed up with McDonald's for the first time on a global scale with a new Happy Meal experience to propel kids' imagination into orbit and transform the universe into a canvas for creativity.

The Happy Meal features an exclusive lineup of co-branded, space-themed activity kits and toys designed to encourage hands-on creative moments that the whole family can share. The limited-edition Planet McDonald's Happy Meal is rolling out at participating McDonald's...

China to Impose Beef Safeguards: Details Due December 30

On December 30, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) is expected to announce the final outcome of its global safeguards investigation into beef imports, with a likely implementation date of January 1, 2026, the Meat Industry Association (MIA) said in a circular. MIA, the industry association from New Zealand, has been monitoring the situation and sent out a press release to update market participants.

The measure would create country-specific tariff-rate quotas for major exporters to China allocated on a three-year reference period...

ANALYSIS: 2025 US Steer & Heifer Select Grading Percentage is at Historic Lows

US Select grading percentages have dropped to record lows in 2025, highlighting a notable shift in cattle quality across the fed supply base. Throughout the year, Select grading has remained well below historical norms, hitting lows around 10.5% late in the year. 

This represents a sharp departure from prior years, when Select grades often held in the mid-teens or higher during seasonal peaks. The sustained decline reflects fewer cattle falling short of Choice specifications. Several structural factors are driving this trend: extended...

ANALYSIS: EU Postpones Mercosur Trade Deal Amid Farmer Protests in Brussels

The European Union has postponed the ratification of its long-negotiated free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc until January 2026, amid growing political resistance and large-scale protests by European farmers in Brussels. The decision was taken December 18, 2025, at the conclusion of the European Council meeting, one of the most consequential summits of the year.

Negotiations on the EU-Mercosur agreement, which involves Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, began in 2000 and have stretched over two decades. Once ratified...

ANALYSIS: Early December US Beef Imports from Mexico Higher

US beef imports from Mexico remained active into year end, even as Mexican export prices continued to move higher amid limited production availability, increased production costs, and ongoing protocols related to New World Screwworm controls. Despite the incremental price environment for Mexican material, import volumes remained firm as US buyers focused on maintaining product availability for year-end needs.

ANALYSIS: Customs Logjams Drag China’s Nov 2025 Beef Imports to 2.5-Year Low

China’s November 2025 beef imports fell to the lowest levels in 2.5 years to reach 187,468 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Falling to the lowest level since May 2023, inbound shipments fell another 33.4% month-on-month (MOM) or 93,824 mt, due to ongoing customs clearance challenges.

The inclusion of most suppliers on China’s "Enhanced Supervision List" has sharply limited imported beef volumes since Q4 2025...

ANALYSIS: Higher Output Lifts New Zealand’s Nov 2025 Beef Exports from Five-Year Low

New Zealand’s beef exports in November 2025 rebounded strongly from October's five-year low, increasing to 31,402 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.

Higher production at the onset of the bull season boosted outbound shipments by 26.4% month-on-month (MOM), or 6,554 mt higher. Gains were recorded across all major markets, with the United States (US) and China delivering the strongest volume growth.

The cull rate in October 2025, covering bulls, cows, heifers and steers, rose for the second consecutive month and was recorded at 137,721 head, according to Stats NZ. Numbers increased 22.2% (25,029 head) from September 2025...

Natural Grocers Launches Grass-Fed Beef Sticks and Bites

Natural Grocers has expanded its private label lineup by adding new products: Natural Grocers Brand Beef Sticks and Bites. This addition increases the range of branded products to over 900 items.

The new beef sticks and bites are made with 100% grass-fed beef. They are hand-cut, hand-packed, and available in two flavors: Original and Jalapeño. The beef sticks are packaged in 1-ounce packets, while the bites come in 4-ounce pouches.

"Our house brand is more than just a label; it's a reflection of our...

NCBA Congratulates USTR, USDA Officials on Confirmation

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association congratulated two Trump administration officials on receiving Senate confirmation, Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Dr. Mindy Brashears to serve as Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“NCBA congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “President Trump has made it a priority to sign new trade deals and open new markets to high-quality American beef. We...

ANALYSIS: Korea’s Nov 2025 Beef Imports Mark a Third Monthly Drop as Safeguard Caps Tighten

Korea’s beef imports in November 2025 fell for the third consecutive month at 26,211 metric tons (mt), according to data from the Korea Customs Service.

Falling 15.6% month-on-month (MOM), the 4,857 mt drop followed the activation of Special Agricultural Safeguards on Australian beef on September 12 which curbed inflows. Compared with a year earlier, shipments were down 20.9% or 6,906 mt.

Until 31 December 2025, beef imports from Australia face an ad-valorem Most Favored Nations (MFN) rate of 24.0%...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Demand Builds, Pork Steps Into the Spotlight

With just over a week remaining until Christmas, supermarket circulars are serving as the hub for holiday party planning. Most seasonal food shopping is expected to be concentrated this week, with fresh meat and deli items leading the charge.

Store traffic is poised to increase as retailers vie aggressively for holiday dollars in an increasingly competitive retail environment heading into 2026.

Pork took the top spot in this week’s protein features, fueled by a spike in holiday ham promotions. Pork accounted for 30% of total...

ANALYSIS: November Cattle on Feed Down 2% and Placements Down 10% in October from Year Ago Levels

Cattle on feed numbers for November were the lowest experienced for that month over the past 5 years although it did come close to surpassing 2022 levels. When comparing over the last 10 years, current levels are below every year except for 2015-2018, which was a period of cattle retention. On a state-by-state basis, the states that experienced a lower cattle inventory compared to 2024 for November were Arizona, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Of those, Colorado experienced the largest...

US Pork Exports Steady in September with Value Record for Mexico; Beef Exports Lowest Since Mid-2020

USDA has released red meat export data for September, which was delayed due to the recent government shutdown. As compiled by USMEF, September data showed a fairly steady performance for U.S. pork exports, matching year-ago value while down slightly in volume. But September beef exports were the lowest in more than five years, with shipments to China effectively halted and exports to other Asian markets also trending lower year-over-year.

“We are encouraged by the robust and resilient global demand for U.S. pork – especially in Mexico, but also in a broad range of international...

Yum China Announces $460 Million Share Buyback in US and Hong Kong

Yum China Holdings entered into share repurchase agreements in the US and Hong Kong for a total repurchase amount of approximately $460 million for the first half of 2026, commencing on January 12, 2026. The agreement includes approximately US$350 million under Rule 10b5-1 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in the US and approximately HK$880 million for a similar program in Hong Kong.

The share repurchase program agreements serve as a key element in...

ANALYSIS: US 2025 Vanishing 600K-Head Slaughter Weeks Signal Supply Crunch and Price Spike

In 2025, weekly cattle slaughter has surpassed the 600,000-head mark only four times year-to-date a sharp departure from 2024, when such volumes were reached 32 times by this point in the year, translating to an 88% reduction in 600,000 head or more weeks. This trend mirrors 2015, when the market sat at a similar stage in the cattle cycle and never hit that threshold. Year-to-date slaughter is currently running 6.6% below 2024 levels... 

Major EU Project to Investigate the Rise of Commercial Cattle Farming

A major project has received significant European Union (EU) funding to investigate how commercial cattle farming first emerged in Europe, setting in motion economic, social and environmental shifts that shaped the continent from the medieval period to the modern era.

Led by University College Cork (UCC) researcher Dr Eugene Costello, the groundbreaking project aims to uncover the pre-industrial roots of commercial cattle farming, an industry that reshaped Europe’s landscapes and evolved into a major force in the global food economy...

ANALYSIS: China’s Nov 2025 Meat Imports Nosedive 20.2% MOM as Customs Scrutiny Intensifies

China’s November 2025 meat imports, variety meats included slumped a hefty 20.2% from a month before at 392,641 metric tons (mt), according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Inbound tonnage plunged by nearly 100,000 mt for the second consecutive month as tightened customs inspection checks delayed operations, especially during what is normally the peak season for red meat consumption.

ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Beef Exports to Mexico Ease in November

November data shows that Brazil’s beef exports to Mexico held at higher year-over-year (YOY) levels, even as volumes moved lower for a third consecutive month. Shipments peaked in September and then eased through October and November, reflecting a gradual adjustment from the mid-year highs. Despite this downward trend, the Mexican import market continued to rely on Brazilian product to supplement domestic availability. Participants reported that cattle movements inside Mexico remain limited, particularly for finished cattle moving from southern regions, as New World Screwworm inspections and controls...

MEATZY Launches Subscription Service for Premium Meat and Seafood Delivery

MEATZY, an innovative subscription service delivering high-quality meat directly to customers' doors, has officially launched.

Developed by industry veterans with experience in supplying proteins to over 100 luxury resorts and leading chefs, MEATZY promises an exceptional culinary experience with premium beef, chicken, pork, and seafood at consistent prices.

"Protein prices keep climbing, and families are paying more for meat that's often lower quality than they realize," said the co-founder, Jorge Arevalo. "We built MEATZY to give people access to chef-grade protein...