South Korea overtakes China as safeguard tariff reshapes global beef trade

South Korea overtakes China as safeguard tariff reshapes global beef trade

China's beef imports from Australia fell 71pc to 7,814 tonnes in June due to tariffs. See how the US continues to be a cornerstone market for exporters.

U.S. chilled beef may see opportunity in South Korea | Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network

Shipments of Australian beef into South Korea have reached more than 90% of the 2026 safeguard volume of 196,00 mt, meaning the tariff rate on Australian beef will soon jump from 5.3% to 24% for the remainder of the year. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice President of Asia Pacific Jihae Yang said Korean retailers and restaurants are already placing orders for more U.S. chilled beef in response. https://d30hko96l9xirl.cloudfront.net/Iowamediafolder/2026/07/Yang-Cut-1.mp3 It is not unusual for Australia to hit the safeguard level, but it typically happens much later in the year, according to Yang. With importers stockpiling Australian beef ahead of the tariff increase, nearly 90% of Korea’s imports from Australia this year have been frozen. This left little room for chilled product from Australia, creating additional opportunities for chilled U.S. beef. https://d30hko96l9xirl.cloudfront.net/Iowamediafolder/2026/07/Yang-Cut-2.mp3 Korea is seeing growing interest in prime beef cuts not typically sought out by U.S. consumers: chuck eye roll, top blade, rib finger, and boneless short ribs. For more information, visit usmef.org.