Argentina eyes expansion of beef exports to China

Argentina is increasingly leaning on the Chinese market as the centerpiece of its beef export strategy, with industry leaders citing shifting Chinese consumption habits and expanding product categories as key drivers of deeper trade ties.

According to the Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, China receives between 78 and 80 percent of Argentina's annual beef exports.

At the recent Expo Ganadera del Centro — a major livestock fair in the heart of the capital — the chamber's executive director, Alejandra Conconi, underscored the growing importance of China for Argentine producers, calling it "the backbone" of the country's international trade in meat.

That trend is reflected in trade data. Last year, Argentina exported more than 900,000 metric tons of beef, with China purchasing about 595,000 tons, reaffirming its role as the primary destination for Argentine meat, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

Sebastian Schulz, a researcher at the Center for Chinese Studies at the National University of La Plata in Argentina, said China's growing appetite for meat reflects broader social and economic shifts.

"In recent years, China has significantly increased its demand for meat, in line with its balanced development policy and the goal of achieving 'common prosperity'," Schulz said. "This strategy seeks to improve the well-being of the Chinese population, which includes diversifying their diet and increasing their consumption of animal protein."

That demand is likely to keep rising as China's middle class expands and dietary preferences evolve, he said.

For Argentine producers, this shift is opening up new markets for products once considered secondary. Cull cows, offal and other lower-value parts are gaining traction in China, where consumer tastes are diversifying rapidly.

Conconi said that while such products might only sell for cents in markets such as Africa, their value in China could reach as high as $20 per kilogram once sanitary agreements are finalized.

At the same time, Argentina's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative is opening the door for deeper agricultural collaboration and technology transfers. Schulz said these agreements are "of strategic importance", because they promote mutually beneficial partnerships, facilitate technology transfers and help balance Argentina's trade deficit with China.

Long-term sustainability

Argentina is also exploring exports of bovine genetics and embryos — a high-value segment in which the country enjoys global recognition. The Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce said that diversification in beef, pork and by-products is vital to strengthening the long-term sustainability of Argentina's meat sector.

Amadeo Derito, vice-president of the Argentine Angus Association, said exports of certified Angus beef to China have continued to grow this year.

"In the first three quarters of the year, the Angus Association certified 1,700 tons of meat exported to China," Derito said. "These are high-value cuts that go to hotels, restaurants and the premium market, (with China) being the first destination, followed closely by the United States."

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.