US beef exports to Korea climb, China demand plunges - USMEF
July shipments to Korea up 13% as China trade slumps 92%
2 October 2025
1 minute read
By: July was a robust month for US beef exports to leading market South Korea, with shipments climbing 13% from a year ago to 19,907 mt, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Export value increased 10% to $186.4 million. Through July, exports to Korea were 9% above last year’s pace in both volume (146,084 mt) and value ($1.39 billion).
President Trump announced a trade deal with Korea at the end of July, but no details on agricultural trade have yet been released.
Korea still maintains a ban on US beef from cattle more than 30 months of age, and restricts certain products derived from cattle less than 30 months of age. Korea also continues to require Canadian cattle be fed for at least 100 days in the United States. All are BSE-related restrictions that are out of line with international standards. Removing these barriers would expand opportunities for US exporters, to the tune of $140 million annually.
Strong demand in Korea could not offset the sharp decline in July beef exports to China, which plunged 92% from a year ago to just 1,110 mt. Export value dropped 94% to less than $8 million. Despite a fairly strong first quarter, January-July exports to China were down 46% to 55,632 mt, while value fell 47% to $481.4 million. In 2024, China was the third largest value market for US beef exports and the fourth largest volume market,
US-China trade negotiations are ongoing, with China’s total tariff rate on US beef currently standing at 32%. While this is a significant disadvantage, the most stifling trade barrier is the lack of beef plants eligible to export to China. Until Chinese regulators renew U.S. plant registrations, re-list suspended facilities and return to other commitments outlined in the US-China Phase One Agreement, shipments will continue to be minimal.
