Lean Beef Values Jump as US Supply Tightens
US Lean Beef Trimmings Climb Sharply Amid China Buying
US lean beef prices have surged in early 2026, supported by tighter domestic supply and sustained Chinese demand.
According to reporting by S&P Global, lean beef trimmings have risen 21.8% year-on-year to $8,135 per metric tonne. The rally reflects constrained availability of cow and bull slaughter animals, the primary source of lean manufacturing beef.
Year-to-date slaughter of cows and bulls is reported to be down 5.9% compared with the same period in 2025. This is limiting supply into the grinding and processing market. Lean trimmings are a critical input for ground beef production and export trade.
China remains a key buyer of US lean beef, adding additional demand pressure at a time when US cattle numbers remain historically low. Elevated prices are feeding into broader global beef trade dynamics. This is particularly relevant as other major exporting nations also manage tight livestock supplies.
The continued strength in lean beef values underscores the sensitivity of manufacturing beef markets to both slaughter trends and export demand flows.
Source: S&P Global | 17 February 2026
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