China‘s Beef Demand Cools as Economic Pressures Shift Consumer Preferences
beijing – Demand for beef in China, onc a major growth driver for exporters like Brazil and Argentina, is waning due to increasing economic pressures on consumers, according to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). This marks the second year of declining demand, signaling a potential shift in the country’s protein consumption patterns.
China’s expanding middle class previously fueled robust beef imports, but discretionary spending is now expected to slow, notably on higher-priced meats. Consumers are increasingly opting for cheaper alternatives like poultry and pork, while goverment measures targeting lavish official banquets are also contributing to the slowdown. The FAS report indicates that despite these headwinds, Chinese beef imports are projected to slightly increase in the new year due to a decline in domestic production as some producers exit the market following sustained losses.
The FAS report projects China’s beef consumption will reach 11.55 million tons in 2025, contributing to the USDA’s official estimates. While a slight increase in imports is anticipated, the overall trend suggests a recalibration of China’s appetite for premium proteins in response to evolving economic realities.