US December beef exports strongest since April
Full-year shipments fall 12% amid China impasse
26 February 2026
1 minute read
By: US December beef exports were the largest in eight months, but full-year shipments fell substantially year-over-year, largely due to the ongoing trade impasse with China, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
December beef exports totalled 98,595 mt, down 10.5% from a year ago but the largest since April (access to China was largely lost in March). Export value was $809.2 million, down 10% but also the highest since April.
December shipments increased year-over-year to Taiwan, the Middle East, ASEAN, Caribbean, South America and Hong Kong, were steady to Japan and fell only modestly to Korea, Mexico and Canada. But exports to China were minimal, offsetting gains elsewhere. When excluding China, December beef exports increased 4% year-over-year in volume and were 6% higher in value.
For the full calendar year, beef exports were down 12% from 2024 in volume (1.14 million mt) and were 11% lower in value ($9.33 billion). But excluding China, 2025 exports were down 3% in volume and just 0.4% in value.
“Global demand for US beef – where it’s available to the millions of consumers who love it – has remained strong despite tight supplies and numerous headwinds,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom.
“USMEF is encouraged by recent market access gains in some markets, but implementation remains key and the industry looks forward to capitalising on these wins," he said. "But for US beef exports to hit on all cylinders and help maximise the value of every animal, it is imperative that access to China is fully restored.”
