China’s Beef Imports Surge to Record Highs in 2024

China’s Beef Imports Set New Records in 2024

Record-Breaking Import Volumes

China’s beef imports continued their upward trajectory in 2024, setting new records and reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s largest beef importer. Recent data shows that China’s beef import volumes reached 2.874 million tonnes, an increase of 137,000 tonnes compared to the previous year.

Drivers of Increased Imports

Several factors have driven this surge in beef imports, including rising domestic demand and efforts to diversify protein sources. The Chinese market has shown a growing appetite for high-quality beef, with imports from major suppliers such as Brazil, Argentina, and Australia playing a significant role in meeting this demand.

Brazil’s Growing Exports

Brazil, in particular, has seen substantial growth in its beef exports to China. In 2024, Brazilian beef exports to China exceeded 1 million tonnes, representing a 12.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Investments in processing capacity and the approval of new facilities for export to China have supported this growth.

Domestic Industry Concerns

The rapid increase in beef imports has raised concerns within China’s domestic industry. In December 2024, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced a probe into beef imports to determine whether the surge in shipments from overseas has adversely affected the domestic meatpacking industry. The investigation will examine bovine meat imported from January 2019 to June 2024 and may lead to the implementation of protective measures.

Market Outlook

Despite these concerns, the overall trend indicates a robust and growing market for beef in China. The continued increase in imports underscores the country’s reliance on international suppliers to meet its protein needs and highlights opportunities for exporters looking to tap into this lucrative market.

Future Considerations

As China navigates the complexities of balancing domestic production with import demand, the global beef industry will closely monitor the outcomes of the ongoing investigation and any potential policy changes that may arise.