American beef still stalled in China, but a new powerhouse market is emerging

With China’s long running roadblocks for U.S. beef exports still taking a heavy toll on shipments, there are new bright spots in Asian markets.

According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), near-record performance for beef exports to Taiwan and a rebound in South Korea helped beef exports increase year-over-year in August — the most recent month with data available.

U.S. beef exports reached 86,362 metric tons (mt) in August, up 4% from a year ago, while export value climbed 13% to $785.9 million.

“I cannot say enough about the outstanding demand in Taiwan, which has truly been a star performer for U.S. beef in 2026,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.

With U.S. beef largely absent from China, Taiwan is mounting a strong challenge to Canada’s position as the fourth-highest value destination for U.S. beef in 2026. August beef exports to Taiwan reached the second highest value on record at $85.5 million, up 35% from a year ago and just short of the April 2022 record of $86.1 million.

Meanwhile, exports to Korea — the leading value destination for U.S. beef — reached 19,195 mt in August, up 14% from a year ago and above year-ago levels for the first time since January.

Challenges with China continue

August beef exports to China increased from minimal levels the previous year, reaching 2,781 mt, valued at $25.6 million.

The increase reflects renewed eligibility for some U.S. plants, after China agreed in May to renew U.S. establishment registrations that Chinese regulators had allowed to expire. But USMEF said many U.S. plants remain suspended, and most others remain reluctant to ship to China until clarity is achieved regarding residue testing.