How Latin American Beef Exporters Can Succeed in China’s Evolving Import Market

China’s beef trade with Latin America is gaining momentum as US-China tensions create openings for alternative suppliers. While China tightens import standards, strong demand for premium beef persists, requiring Latin American exporters to refine strategies around compliance, branding, innovation, and consumer trust.

China continues to deepen trade ties with Latin America, with beef—a product that accounts for 35 percent of its agricultural imports from the region—emerging as a key area of growth. Recent developments underscore expanding cooperation, supported by new financing and multi-year planning initiatives. Despite signs of domestic oversupply and heightened scrutiny, China remains the world’s largest beef importer. Latin American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay continue to dominate shipments. Demand remains resilient in premium and processed segments, driven by changing dietary preferences and urbanization.

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To succeed in China’s evolving market, foreign beef exporters should prioritize traceability, ESG compliance, and product differentiation. Strategies such as joint ventures, premium branding, and digital marketing will be essential to maintain competitiveness and respond to shifting regulatory and consumer expectations.

In this article, we explore the emerging opportunities for Latin American beef exporters in China, examine supply and demand dynamics, and highlight actionable strategies to align with market and policy trends.

China-Latin American beef trade overview

China has significantly increased its beef imports in recent years and is now the world’s largest beef consumer and importer. According to Chinese customs data, China imported 2.87 million tons of beef in 2024, a five percent year-on-year increase. From 2019 to 2023, total beef imports rose by 65 percent. Latin American countries are the dominant suppliers to China’s beef import market.

Brazil accounts for 21 percent of the world’s cattle and produces about 18 percent of global beef. China has been the top destination for Brazilian beef since 2017, a trend that continued in 2024. As Brazil’s beef production has grown steadily, its exports to China nearly tripled between 2018 and 2024.

Argentina has followed a similar trajectory. According to UN Comtrade data, China has been Argentina’s leading beef export destination since 2015, with export volumes rising from 42,000 tons in 2015 to 595,000 tons in 2024, a more than fourteenfold increase.

China’s beef imports primarily serve two market segments: lean beef for processing and retailing, mainly from Brazil; and premium beef cuts for high-end food service and retail, sourced largely from the US. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and the US have introduced new uncertainties into the premium beef trade. While US beef remains highly regarded for its quality, rising trade frictions, regulatory scrutiny, and the risk of tariffs or restrictions have prompted Chinese importers to diversify sourcing. As a result, there is growing interest in premium beef from alternative suppliers—including Argentina, Uruguay, and even Australia—as Chinese buyers seek to reduce dependence on US imports. This trend could gradually reshape the composition of China’s premium beef market, with Latin American exporters well-positioned to expand their market share if they can meet quality and compliance expectations.

Growth potential of China’s beef trade with Latin America

China’s demand for beef is expected to remain strong and resilient over the next few years, underpinned by macroeconomic trends, demographic shifts, and deepening trade ties with Latin American suppliers.

Market outlook

Although China’s per capita beef consumption remains below the global average, it has been growing rapidly. Consumers increasingly view beef as a healthier protein alternative, especially amid evolving demographics and rising health consciousness. As household sizes shrink and the population ages, dietary preferences are gradually shifting away from pork toward poultry, seafood, and beef—foods perceived to offer greater nutritional value. In urban centers across northern and eastern China, demand for imported beef is particularly strong, driven by rising incomes, dietary upgrades, and increased health awareness. The expansion of e-commerce and on-demand delivery platforms has also made premium beef products more accessible to a broader consumer base.

On the supply side, imported beef remains highly price-competitive in China. This is largely due to structural advantages in key exporting countries, such as lower feed costs and abundant pastureland in Brazil, Argentina, and Australia, enabling them to offer lower prices than Chinese domestic producers. While China’s domestic beef production grew by 3.5 percent year-on-year in 2024 and accounted for 72 percent of consumption during the first three quarters, imports continue to play a vital role in meeting demand for high-quality and premium-grade products.

Meanwhile, the demand outlook is buoyed by the expansion of China’s middle class and diversification of consumer tastes. Consulting reports note that older consumers are increasingly turning to leaner meats such as poultry and beef, further supporting long-term consumption growth. Over the past decade, China’s total beef consumption has climbed steadily and shows no signs of tapering.

Multilateral development

On the policy front, China is actively pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with key Latin American beef exporters, such as Uruguay and Paraguay. Currently, Uruguayan beef exports to China are subject to a 12 percent tariff, placing them at a disadvantage compared to suppliers like Australia and New Zealand, which already enjoy tariff-free access through existing FTAs. If a China–Uruguay FTA is finalized, it could eliminate these tariffs, reducing costs by up to US$150 million annually and enhancing Uruguay’s competitiveness in the Chinese market.

Broader trade and investment momentum is also underway. In May 2025, during the Fourth China-CELAC Forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced RMB 66 billion (approx. US$9.2 billion) in new credit lines for Latin American countries, along with commitments to expand agricultural imports and boost Chinese investment in the region. Within this broader push for agricultural cooperation, beef, accounting for 35 percent of China’s agricultural imports from Latin America, stands out as a strategic commodity expected to deepen bilateral ties further.

The recently released 2024–2027 China-Latin America Action Plan further supports deeper cooperation in agriculture, trade facilitation, and logistics. Complementing these efforts, China also announced visa-free travel for citizens of five Latin American countries to promote greater exchange.

Looking ahead, these policy signals, combined with rising consumer demand and competitive cost structures, suggest strong growth potential for Latin American beef exports to China, particularly in premium, processed, and differentiated product segments.

Risk and compliance issues that Latin American beef exporters should notice

Sanitary and regulatory standards

Exporting beef to China requires compliance with strict sanitary and regulatory standards. All imported beef must originate from slaughter and processing plants registered with China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) and be accompanied by an official health certificate issued by the relevant authority in the exporting country. In March 2025, China suspended beef exports from six facilities in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay due to outdated registration information, underscoring the importance of maintaining up-to-date certifications and regulatory compliance. Therefore, business owners should pay extra attention to the regulatory standards and ensure the timely renewal of relevant documentation to avoid disruptions.

Labels, traceability, and sustainability

Labeling is another key compliance area. All imported pre-packaged food must carry Chinese-language labels indicating the product name, origin, ingredients, production date, shelf life, and other mandatory information. Products not meeting standards like GB7718-2011 may be rejected for entry.

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China is also moving toward full traceability of beef products, with a nationwide system expected to be in place by the end of 2025. The Ministry of Agriculture has already stated that traceability will become a requirement for imported beef, covering the entire supply chain from farm to table. In December 2023, China approved 38 new Brazilian meat processing plants for export, including 24 dedicated to beef. This move is part of China’s efforts to establish its own traceability protocols and enhance food safety and supply chain transparency.

While China has not yet mandated “deforestation-free” certification, its emphasis on the traceability initiative is widely viewed as a precursor. A survey by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences revealed that Chinese consumers are willing to pay a 22.5 percent premium for beef labeled as “deforestation-free”. Going forward, exporters are expected to align with China’s evolving sustainability expectations by adopting more transparent and environmentally responsible sourcing practices to enhance market appeal and ensure long-term access.

Market access and trade environment

In 2025, China’s beef market is undergoing significant structural changes that are reshaping the import dynamics. Despite a projected two percent increase in beef imports, the pace of growth has slowed compared to previous years. This deceleration is largely due to oversupply in the domestic market, which has triggered significant price drops and increased financial strain on local producers.

In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce launched a safeguard investigation in December 2024 to assess the impact of beef imports on the domestic industry. This move signals a more cautious approach to market liberalization and suggests that access to foreign suppliers could become more restricted. Exporters must stay abreast of regulatory changes and ensure strict compliance with China’s import requirements to maintain market presence.

Strategies for Latin American beef exporters

Entry models

Direct export remains a viable entry model for established exporters with robust compliance systems and reliable distribution partners. However, given China’s recent import suspensions and evolving regulatory thresholds, deeper local integration is becoming increasingly advantageous. Forming joint ventures with Chinese cold chain logistics providers, food processors, or retail brands can enhance supply chain transparency, mitigate customs risks, and strengthen local market intelligence. Collaborations that allow for partial in-country processing or co-branding can also offer greater regulatory flexibility and build consumer trust.

Brand positioning

With the continued expansion of China’s middle class, consumer preferences are shifting toward higher-quality, traceable food products. Exporters can enhance appeal by emphasizing product origin, safety, and health attributes. Certifications such as organic, halal, antibiotic-free, or ESG-related labels are especially valued in urban markets and can support premium pricing.

Effective positioning strategies should focus on building a strong brand identity, supported by quality assurance and transparent sourcing stories. These attributes are especially important on e-commerce platforms and in premium retail channels, where consumers are more discerning. Offering differentiated product types, such as grain-fed, grass-fed, or marbled beef, can further enhance market appeal and justify higher price points.

Value-added innovation

Rising urban incomes and lifestyle-driven demand for convenience are creating strong potential for value-added beef products in China. Exporters can tap into this segment by offering items like pre-marinated hotpot cuts, frozen sous-vide meals, or ready-to-cook beef recipes tailored to Chinese culinary preferences. Seasonal offerings, such as hotpot-focused items for winter or barbecue-ready products for summer, can further align with consumption habits. Collaborations with local chefs, restaurants, or culinary influencers can enhance credibility and consumer engagement.

Brands can also leverage digital platforms like Tmall, JD.com, and Hema for product distribution, while using social media such as WeChat and Xiaohongshu to build awareness and community. These channels are essential not only for promotion but also for educating consumers about the value, quality, and proper usage of premium and innovative beef products.

Building consumer confidence

Earning consumer trust in China increasingly depends on transparency, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility. Exporters that invest early in traceability systems, ESG compliance, and third-party certifications will be better positioned to meet evolving regulatory requirements and shifting consumer expectations. Tools like digital labeling, blockchain-based tracking, and carbon-neutral certifications can help strengthen brand reputation and regulatory alignment.

To further secure market access and regulatory reliability, companies may consider establishing local quality control offices or forming compliance-focused partnerships. Staying updated on registration changes from the GAC and conducting regular compliance audits will help mitigate risk and demonstrate a proactive commitment to Chinese standards.

Moreover, Chinese consumers are beginning to associate environmental sustainability with food safety and product quality. Voluntary certifications, especially those aligned with traceability and deforestation-free sourcing, can differentiate brands and open doors to future growth, particularly in premium urban markets.

Conclusion

China’s beef import market presents both significant opportunities and increasing complexity for Latin American exporters. While demand remains strong in premium and value-added segments, market access is becoming more selective, requiring firms to prioritize compliance, traceability, and brand differentiation. Companies that align their strategies with China’s sustainability agenda and consumer expectations will be best positioned to capture long-term growth in this critical agri-food corridor.

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