Beijing renewed import licences for hundreds of US beef plants during US President Donald Trump’s visit to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Brazil nears its annual beef export quota to China and is seeking alternative markets.
Bloomberg News reported the renewal on Thursday. The licences were restored during Trump’s visit to Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping.
China announced in December that beef imports above country-specific ceilings in 2026 would face a 55 per cent tariff, up from the standard 12 per cent rate.
The change benefits US suppliers while pressuring Brazilian producers close to their quota limits. Brasilia is exploring markets such as Vietnam and South Korea to offset potential losses.
