The strong pace of beef imports into China is not being matched by a fluid wholesale market, resulting in a continued buildup of product inventories.
According to OIG+X data, imported beef stocks increased again in May, reaching levels that were virtually back to the peaks recorded at the beginning of the year.
Stocks are expected to remain elevated until Brazil fills the 1.106 million-ton quota allocated for 2026, likely with shipments arriving between late July and early August. From that point onward, inventories are expected to decline until Brazilian product starts entering again under the 2027 quota, likely between November and December.
OIG+X said that “the SIAL China temporarily improved market sentiment during mid-May. Some importers briefly showed stronger purchasing interest, and negotiation activities at ports became more active compared with earlier periods. However, as end-user market consumption failed to recover simultaneously, actual market absorption capacity remained limited. Spot prices therefore lacked sustained rebound momentum, and market sentiment weakened again after the exhibition, with prices returning to a downward trend”.
