In a sign that China is continuing to diversify its beef supply, there are indications that Beijing is close to concluding a deal to take significantly increased quantities of Argentine offal.

Although there is no date set for concluding negotiations, it is understood that a Chinese delegation will travel to Argentina in early June to hold talks on the matter.

China’s latest move on the beef front is part of a wider strategy to diversify its agricultural supply base, as the continuing disruption to international trade due to the US tariff policy plays out.

Argentina currently exports close to one third of its total beef output, although foreign sales have been hampered by efforts to curtail domestic price inflation.

Major export market

China has traditionally been a major export market for Argentine beef – taking 68% of the South American state’s shipments in 2024 – but meat sales to China have taken a hit this year.

China accounted for around 55% of Argentina’s beef exports in the first quarter of 2025, with price and the volume of purchases required impacting the trade.

However, Argentine shipments to China bounced back in May and the offal contract could potentially provide a further boost.

Last year, China imported close to 2.9m tonnes of beef, with Argentina, Australia and Brazil providing the bulk of the supply.

Given that China has effectively closed the door to beef imports from the US, a substantial gap in the Asian state’s supply network is up for grabs.

The US sold close to 200,000 tonnes of beef to China in 2024, with this trade worth around €1.5bn.

Expanding its offal exports into China may offer a route for Argentina to secure some of the beef business which the trade dispute with the US has left up for grabs.