With the increasing awareness of health, more and more consumers are inclined to choose high-protein, low-fat foods. Beef, as a high-quality source of protein, meets this demand. Beef is rich in essential amino acids, iron, and B vitamins, which help enhance immunity and overall health. Along with China's economic development and rising income levels, consumers' dietary habits are constantly upgrading. More families are willing to pay higher prices for high-quality meat, and this trend has driven the growth in demand for premium beef, such as organic beef and grass-fed beef.

Due to the limited production of domestic beef and its higher cost, imported beef is favored for its variety and relatively reasonable prices. In recent years, China’s beef imports have shown a significant growth trend, closely related to the increasing demand for high-quality protein among Chinese consumers. However, in recent years, China’s beef imports have exhibited a trend of increasing followed by a decline.

According to customs data, from 2018 to 2023, the import volume steadily increased, rising from 1.039 billion kilograms to 2.737 billion kilograms, an increase of approximately 163.5%. In terms of import value, it saw rapid growth from 2018 to 2022, rising from USD 4.799 billion to USD 17.761 billion, an increase of 269.6%. However, in 2023 and 2024, import values started to decline. In 2023, the import value dropped to USD 14.22 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 19.93% compared to 2022. For the period from January to September 2024, China’s total beef imports amounted to 2.1037 million tons, showing a 3.35% increase compared to the same period in 2023. However, in terms of export volume, the market has shown an upward trend from 2022 to September 2024, with year-on-year growth rates of 179.92% and 140.21%, respectively. The most significant growth occurred between January and September 2024, with a dramatic increase of 720.13% compared to the same period in 2023.

From the above data, it is evident that from 2018 to 2022, the demand for high-quality beef significantly increased due to the rise in domestic consumption levels and changing dietary habits, driving both the import volume and value upward. However, in recent years, the market price has started to decline.

Due to the limited production and high cost of domestic beef, imported beef is favored for its variety and relatively reasonable prices. According to customs data, the current import market for beef in China is mainly concentrated in the Americas, with Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay accounting for 73.58% of the total market. Australia and New Zealand are also significant sources. These countries, with their abundant pasture resources and mature farming techniques, can provide large quantities of stable-quality beef products. Of course, the diversification of import sources also helps mitigate supply risks and ensure stable domestic market supply. Currently, the demand for beef in the Chinese market is not only reflected in the increase in volume but also in higher demands for quality, safety, and variety. With the continuous improvement in living standards, this trend is expected to continue.

In contrast to imports, China's beef export market is much more limited. According to 2024 customs data, China's beef exports are primarily concentrated in three markets: Hong Kong, North Korea, and Kuwait, with Hong Kong and North Korea accounting for 98.17% of the total export volume.

Overall, China’s beef import market is a highly dynamic one, influenced by various factors. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for businesses wishing to enter or expand their market share in China. Companies need to closely monitor these changes to better meet market demand.

As China's first data company, Guomaotong provides import and export customs data for over 80 countries from 2010 to the present, enabling precise online analysis of import and export market distribution, detailed trading conditions, specific volume and price analysis, supply cycles, and more. This data serves as a reliable foundation for foreign trade companies and industry consulting firms.

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