Chinese imports of Brazilian beef contracted sharply in April, reaching the lowest level in 11 months, since May 2025.
According to GACC data, China imported 100.8 thousand tons of frozen beef from Brazil in April, nearly 40 thousand tons less than in March and less than half the 211 thousand tons recorded in January.
The decline in volumes arriving from its main supplier was the main reason behind the drop in total imports, which fell by almost 33 thousand tons from March to 208.7 thousand tons.
However, in the cumulative January-April period, imports of Brazilian beef were still well above last year’s levels, rising 54% to 613 thousand tons, as operators continue to accelerate shipments in an attempt to secure the largest possible share of the quota.
Imports from other suppliers such as Australia and Argentina also posted double-digit annual growth rates. Australia more than doubled its chilled beef shipments — although volumes remain relatively small — while frozen boneless beef imports increased 36% and frozen bone-in beef imports rose 22%.
In Argentina’s case, frozen bone-in beef imports in the first four months of the year increased 22% year-on-year, while frozen boneless beef rose 16%.
