en.Wedoany.com Reported - Argentina's beef exports to the US market have seen significant growth, a trend that has drawn attention alongside Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi's performance of scoring five goals in the 2026 World Cup. This increase is closely linked to the Trade and Reciprocal Investment Agreement signed between Argentina and the US, which has led to exponential growth in the US market since its entry into force.
According to the latest data released by the Argentine Beef Exporters Consortium (ABC), from January to May this year, the country's total exports of chilled and frozen beef reached 271,400 tons, valued at $1.833 billion, representing an 8% increase in volume and a 44.7% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year. The US market has become the main growth driver for the industry. During the same period, the US imported 42,000 tons of Argentine beef protein, compared to 17,100 tons in the same period of 2015, a volume increase of 145%. In terms of value, sales to the US totaled $355 million, up 203% from $117 million in the same period last year.
Mario Ravettino, President of the Argentine Beef Exporters Consortium (ABC), told the media that Argentina's progress in the US market is very significant. He specifically noted that in May 2026, Argentina exported approximately 11,000 tons of beef to the US, equivalent to the total export volume for the first eight months of 2025. Sales for that month reached $86 million, a 369% increase compared to the same month last year. As a result, the US has solidified its position as the second-largest export destination for Argentine beef, behind China, which holds a 60% market share.
Ravettino stated that the improved export performance is directly linked to the expansion of the duty-free quota to 100,000 tons, an increase of 80,000 tons implemented in four increments of 20,000 tons each. He further noted that April, May, and June have been excellent months. As of June 16, Argentina had shipped the corresponding 20,000-ton quota for this quarter and had placed orders for an additional 15,000 tons. On the same day, Argentina had already reached 60.2% of the annual 20,000-ton quota set during the administration of Mauricio Macri. Ravettino believes this level of fulfillment is crucial for future renegotiations with the US regarding the 2027 quota. He estimates that if the current shipping pace is maintained, Argentina will complete its annual quota target by October or November.
Prices are also showing an upward trend. According to ABC data, in May 2026, the average price of chilled beef exported to the US exceeded $16,060 per ton, up 6.7% month-over-month. The average price of frozen beef was approximately $7,800 per ton, up 2.6% month-over-month. Compared to the first five months, the cumulative price of chilled cuts increased by 39%, while frozen cuts rose by 22%.
Ravettino explained that the US market has strong demand for hamburgers, and Argentina exports large quantities of ground meat (lean beef) used for production. Additionally, Argentina exports high-quality cuts to the US, similar to products sold in the European Union, as well as kosher beef specifically for the large local Jewish community.
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