LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — U.S. beef imports are running at a record pace while exports are falling, reflecting tight domestic cattle supplies and high U.S. beef prices.
An analysis co-authored by Josh Maples of Mississippi State and Dr. David Anderson of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension reports that the U.S. imported 1.7 billion pounds of beef in the first quarter, up more than 15 percent from last year.
Exports moved in the other direction, falling nearly 18 percent to 586 million pounds. South Korea and Japan still accounted for nearly half of U.S. beef exports, but shipments to both countries declined. China fell 95 percent to just 5.3 million pounds.
Brazil led all import suppliers at 394 million pounds, followed by Australia at 334 million. Mexico gained 23 percent to 197 million pounds, with some of the increase likely tied to the feeder-cattle border closure and higher Mexican beef production.
Most imported beef is lean trimming used for ground beef, so the biggest market impact would likely fall on trimming and cull cow values.
The USDA projects another annual beef import record in 2026, keeping export pressure in place as the U.S. herd remains tight.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Record beef imports may put pressure on lean-trimming and cull-cow markets, even as tight cattle supplies support broader prices.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
At the Port of Brownsville, shrimpers are facing rising operating costs and increased competition, but many shrimp producers and local lawmakers remain optimistic about the industry’s future.
March 19, 2026 01:22 PM
·
Higher prices are bringing relief to markets, but rising input costs are putting pressure on the producers.
March 19, 2026 12:59 PM
·
Governor Jim Pillen joined us to share the latest on the Nebraska wildfires, discuss relief efforts, and outline considerations for producers navigating the ongoing situation.
March 19, 2026 12:51 PM
·
Regulatory changes may influence farm costs and operations.
March 19, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Lower hop stocks may support prices in the near term.
March 19, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Bryan Combs with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service breaks down new farmland data from the TOTAL survey, highlights key findings, and potential impacts for the ag sector. ASFMRA’s David Klein also shares how those trends are reflected in the current farmland market, especially in the Midwest.
March 18, 2026 04:55 PM
·
