LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Global beef trade policy changes are reshaping where product moves in 2026, increasing competitive pressure on U.S. beef exports while supporting higher import volumes. New quota structures in the United States, China, and Mexico are redirecting global supplies and altering price signals across key markets.
Beginning January 1, the U.S. tariff-rate quota for countries without a free trade agreement was reduced to 52,005 metric tons, while a new 13,000-metric-ton quota was established for the United Kingdom. The reduced “Other” quota filled rapidly — reaching 91 percent by January 5 — triggering a 26.4 percent out-of-quota tariff that encourages earlier shipments and higher imports early in the year.
China’s new beef safeguard quotas, paired with a 55 percent over-quota tariff, are expected to limit shipments from Brazil, Australia, and Argentina. With most U.S. beef facilities still lacking export registration, displaced product is likely shifting into Japan, South Korea, and the United States, increasing competition for U.S. exporters.
Mexico’s new 70,000-metric-ton quota for non-FTA beef may curb Brazilian shipments, offering some support to U.S. exports there, but also pushing additional global supply toward the U.S. market.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Transportation challenges are mounting as droughts lower Mississippi River levels and push freight rates higher.
September 25, 2025 04:54 PM
·
Rising cow numbers and higher yields are boosting milk supplies, which may keep pressure on prices and farm margins into the fall.
September 25, 2025 01:01 PM
·
U.S. soybean farmers are growing increasingly frustrated by Argentina’s gains in Chinese grain contracts and Trump’s pledge of economic support for the South American ally.
September 25, 2025 11:51 AM
·
The USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.
September 25, 2025 10:46 AM
·
On this week’s episode of
FarmHER + RanchHER, host Kirbe Schnoor travels to Wilson’s ranch to see how she blends tradition and technology to raise elite Red Angus cattle.
September 24, 2025 04:02 PM
·
Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
September 24, 2025 03:40 PM
·
Industry-wide participation in SHIP enhances biosecurity and fosters global trust in U.S. pork, says swine health expert, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham.
September 24, 2025 03:32 PM
·
What is it like working cattle with an outbreak of New World Screwworm so close to home? Wayne Cockrell, with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joined us on Wednesday to discuss.
September 24, 2025 12:29 PM
·
Argentina hopes to boost demand, but critics see the move as a blow to American farmers.
September 24, 2025 11:35 AM
·
