06/14/2026
U.S. CATTLE REPORT 🌎 U.S. Beef Imports Up 14% Through April: Brazil Top Source, Paraguay, Argentina & Nicaragua Post Some Of The Largest Gains 📈
U.S. beef imports totaled 2.231 billion pounds during the first four months of 2026, up 14.05% from the 1.956 billion pounds imported during the same period in 2025. Brazil was the largest source of imported beef at 517.9 million pounds, followed by Australia (444.7 million pounds), Canada (332.3 million pounds), Mexico (261.4 million pounds), and New Zealand (223.3 million pounds).
The largest year-over-year increases among major beef suppliers came from Paraguay (+107.95%), Argentina (+90.55%), Nicaragua (+45.29%), and Mexico (+27.05%). While imports from Argentina have received considerable attention, the increase in volume has been smaller than several other suppliers. Argentine imports increased by approximately 38.7 million pounds compared to a year ago. By comparison, imports from Paraguay increased 56.3 million pounds, Mexico increased 55.7 million pounds, Australia increased 47.8 million pounds, and Nicaragua increased 24.9 million pounds. Uruguay added 29.8 million pounds, while Brazil, the largest source of imported beef, increased shipments by 27.6 million pounds.
🌎🥩 U.S. Beef Imports By Country (Jan–Apr 2026 vs. Jan–Apr 2025)
Total U.S. Beef Imports
2025: 1.956 billion lbs → 2026: 2.231 billion lbs 🟢 ⬆️ 14.05%
🟢 Brazil: 490.3M lbs → 517.9M lbs (+5.62%)
🟢 Australia: 396.9M lbs → 444.7M lbs (+12.04%)
🟢 Canada: 325.2M lbs → 332.3M lbs (+2.20%)
🟢 Mexico: 205.8M lbs → 261.4M lbs (+27.05%)
🔴 New Zealand: 237.7M lbs → 223.3M lbs (-6.07%)
🟢 Uruguay: 129.3M lbs → 159.1M lbs (+23.04%)
🟢 Paraguay: 52.1M lbs → 108.4M lbs (+107.95%)
🟢 Argentina: 42.8M lbs → 81.5M lbs (+90.55%)
🟢 Nicaragua: 55.1M lbs → 80.0M lbs (+45.29%)
🔴 Costa Rica: 12.2M lbs → 11.7M lbs (-3.86%)
📡 Salebarns interested in broadcasting or promoting their sales with DVAuction and/or Feeder Flash – contact Rob Cook at 📧 [email protected] to get started!