China is facing its first beef cattle shortage in years, as the number of cattle ready for market fell 3.8% in the first half of the year. This has driven beef imports up 17.9% to 1.42 million tons, worth 8.32 billion US dollars. Brazil holds a 56% market share, and Argentina 17%. Meanwhile, Australia faces an out-of-quota tariff as high as 55%. Thailand, which has had its live cattle exports suspended since 2024, is in negotiations with GACC to set sanitary standards, aiming to export 100,000 head per month, or 1.2 million head annually. It also plans to develop Ban Saphan port into a large animal quarantine center to support future exports.
China's first beef cattle shortage in 6 years, with cattle ready for market down 3.8% and beef imports up 17.9%, signals tight supply and strong import demand supportive for live cattle prices.
