Brazil Seeks Quota System with China to Regulate Beef Exports Amid Import Curbs
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, Brazil is actively negotiating with its private beef sector to establish mechanisms that can prevent uncontrolled competition concerning exports to China. This strategic move follows recent protective measures announced by Beijing aimed at controlling market inflows and bolstering its domestic meat industry.
In a recent telephone conversation, Brazil’s Minister of Trade, Luiz Furlan, stated that the goal of these discussions is to find alternatives to avoid intense, unregulated rivalry among exporters. He noted that an unchecked rush to export beef to China, for instance, could lead to a significant drop in market prices.
China recently imposed an additional 55 percent tariff on beef imports from key suppliers, including Brazil, Australia, and the United States, specifically targeting shipments that exceed established quota levels. This measure officially began on January 1st and is scheduled to remain in effect for three years, although the overall annual quota is slated for an increase.
For 2026, the total import quota set by China for nations affected by the new protective measures stands at 2.7 million tons, which closely aligns with the record 2.87 million tons China imported overall in 2024. Brazil remains China’s foremost trading partner.
In 2025, Brazil achieved an unprecedented milestone by exporting 1.648 million tons of fresh beef to China. According to reports cited by Reuters, Beijing has outlined specific quota levels for Brazilian beef imports: 1.106 million tons for the current year, increasing to 1.128 million tons in 2027, and further rising to 1.151 million tons in 2028.
