Brazilian beef hits historic record in China in 2026, but new quota with 55% tariff puts exporters in a race against time

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 18/05/2026 at 16:24

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Brazilian exports totaled 474,220 tons between January and April 2026, as producers try to anticipate shipments before the impact of the Chinese quota

Sales of Brazilian beef to China accelerated at the beginning of 2026 and put the sector on alert. According to data from Abiec, Brazil exported 474,220 tons to the Chinese market in the first four months of the year. This volume represents an increase of 20.9% compared to the same period in 2025. Additionally, the result marked a historic record for the period between January and April.

The advance occurs amid the new Chinese trade policy, which created a quota for the entry of Brazilian beef. According to the base text, producers are trying to anticipate the limit imposed by China. Thus, the movement reinforces the importance of the Chinese market for the national export sector.

Chinese quota changes the game for Brazilian exporters

The new rule was announced in December 2025 by the Ministry of Commerce of China. According to the measure, Brazil will have a quota of 1.1 million tons of beef. Within this limit, the applied tariff will be 12%. However, above the established quota, the rate will rise to 55%.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Brazil remains the largest supplier to China

Currently, Brazil holds the position of largest supplier of beef to the Chinese market. In 2025, 1.7 million tons of Brazilian beef were sent to China. This performance reinforces the strategic importance of the Asian country in Brazilian exports.

***Refrigerated load of Brazilian beef ready for export reinforces the record volume sent to China in the first months of 2026***

Abiec forecasts a drop in total exports in 2026

Despite the record registered at the beginning of the year, Abiec estimates a more cautious scenario for 2026. According to the entity, total beef exports may fall by 10% compared to the previous year. This projection considers the effects of the new Chinese tariff on Brazilian shipments.

Therefore, the sector is closely monitoring the coming months. The concern is growing because China plays a decisive role in the external trade of national beef. Thus, any change in purchasing rules can alter the pace of Brazilian sales.

Minister André de Paula fulfills agenda in China

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André de Paula, is fulfilling official commitments in China this week. The agenda began on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Shanghai. On the occasion, the minister participated in the Brazil-China Agribusiness Seminar and visited the Brazilian stand at SIAL China, the largest international food and beverage fair in Asia.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, André de Paula will head to Beijing. There, he will have meetings with representatives of the GACC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Commerce of China. Progress in sanitary and phytosanitary requests is also expected.

Discussion about the quota may enter the meetings

During the meetings, the quota on beef may be discussed. However, according to the base text, the chance of revising the measure is minimal. Even so, the agenda seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Brazil and China.

Thus, the Brazilian sector is trying to preserve space in the main purchasing market for national beef. Now, the question remains: will Brazil be able to maintain the pace of exports even with the new Chinese tariff in effect?

Brazilian beef hits historic record in China in 2026, but new quota with 55% tariff puts exporters in a race against time

Brazilian exports totaled 474,220 tons between January and April 2026, as producers try to anticipate shipments before the impact of the Chinese quota

Chinese quota changes the game for Brazilian exporters

Brazil remains the largest supplier to China

Abiec forecasts a drop in total exports in 2026

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Minister André de Paula fulfills agenda in China

Discussion about the quota may enter the meetings

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Brazilian beef hits historic record in China in 2026, but new quota with 55% tariff puts exporters in a race against time

Brazilian exports totaled 474,220 tons between January and April 2026, as producers try to anticipate shipments before the impact of the Chinese quota

Chinese quota changes the game for Brazilian exporters

Brazil remains the largest supplier to China

Abiec forecasts a drop in total exports in 2026

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Discussion about the quota may enter the meetings

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