NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Taiwan is committing to $10 billion in U.S. agriculture purchases over the next four years. Despite its relatively small population, Taiwan is the sixth-largest market for U.S. beef, with exports topping $700 million last year.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report for his analysis of the trade agreement.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Halstrom discussed the value of the Taiwanese market to the U.S., the implications of this new commitment for the beef industry, and the potential hurdles facing the market.
Halstrom also discussed a recent trip to South Korea and Japan, two of the other largest U.S. beef export markets, including the events held there to celebrate the longstanding trade relationship with the US meat industry, and additional opportunities in those international markets.
Tight Supply, Small Herd Increases Beef Imports
On the other hand, beef imports are rising to cover U.S. supply gaps created by the smallest cattle herd in decades. South America is reshaping beef trade flows — despite a decrease in exports from Brazil due to tariffs, both Brazil and Uruguay, in particular, are expanding their share of the U.S. market.
Canada remains the top supplier at 487,000 MT, but volumes are down 13 percent year-over-year. Australia shipped 386,000 MT, up 21 percent on herd recovery and tariff advantages, while Brazil surged 56 percent to 251,000 MT, displacing Mexico as the third-largest supplier. Imports from Uruguay also grew 35 percent, adding to the South American push.
Have You “Herd?” Cattle on Feed Numbers for September
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) latest Cattle on Feed Report (PDF Version) for September 2025 shows a one-percent drop in cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States. The report also confirmed lower placements in August totaled 1.78 million head, 10 percent below 2024, with net placements at 1.73 million. Marketings reached 1.57 million head, 14 percent lower year over year, marking the lowest August marketing level since the data series began in 1996.
Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
