The main challenge lies in production. Cow herds have been shrinking, and while bulls remain available, they are viewed as insufficient for the sector’s installed capacity and the scale of international demand.
China continues to be the largest buyer of Argentine beef. In July, it imported 240,000 tonnes, a 15% increase compared with the same month last year, following nine months of decline. However, pricing pressures remain: while global beef prices rose by 20–25%, China paid only about 10% more on average. This is partly explained by a shift in purchasing patterns, with more processed meat and fewer fine cuts imported since the withdrawal of US suppliers.
From March to July, Argentina’s exports rose by 16,200 tonnes, with 83% of that additional volume destined for China. Brazil, however, also strengthened its position, sending a record 158,000 tonnes to China in July, a level expected again in August.
Looking ahead, Beijing is expected to announce in November measures that will take effect from 2026 to protect its domestic production. Possible decisions could involve quotas or tariff adjustments, with implications for exporting countries.
Beyond China, other markets are also growing. Israel has increased imports from Argentina, where it already accounts for 44% of supply. Exports to Israel in 2025 are up 17% compared to the previous year. Europe has also shown expansion, with Argentine shipments rising 19%. However, competition in the European market has intensified, with Brazil and Uruguay also enlarging their presence.
Despite production challenges, Argentina’s beef exports this year are projected to reach about 830,000 tonnes. This figure is just 11% below the 2024 record, and considerably better than the 25–30% decline that analysts initially predicted at the start of the year.
The sector is optimistic about the medium term. If global demand remains firm and the exchange rate environment continues to support competitiveness, Argentina is expected to reinforce its role among the world’s leading beef exporters.
