US beef exports to South America rise 13% in May
Chile accounted for much of the increase, with shipments reaching their highest monthly level since 2022.
USA – US beef exports to South America increased in May 2026, with shipments to Chile recording a sharp recovery, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
The US shipped 1,634 metric tonnes of beef to South American markets during the month, representing a 13% increase from May 2025, while the value of those shipments rose 41% to US$14.9 million.
Chile was the main driver of the monthly increase, receiving almost 900 metric tonnes of US beef, 54% more than a year earlier, with the shipments valued at US$7.5 million, a 55% increase.
The May result marked the largest monthly volume of US beef shipped to Chile since 2022, reflecting stronger demand in one of the country’s established free trade agreement markets.
The growth continued through the first five months of 2026, when US beef exports to South America reached 8,790 metric tonnes, up 13% year on year, while their value rose 38% to US$77.7 million.
Chile expands access for US beef cuts
Further opportunities for US suppliers emerged in July after the USDA and Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service, known as SAG, agreed to expand the list of US beef cut names permitted in the Chilean market.
The agreement, which took effect on 15 July, added 34 cuts to the approved list, taking the total to 98 following technical discussions involving the USDA, USMEF and SAG that began in 2021.
The revised list brings more US-style specifications, including additional ribeye, short rib and top round cuts, into line with Chile’s nomenclature under Standard NCh1596.
Chile imported about US$1.6 billion worth of beef from global suppliers in 2025, while US beef accounted for approximately US$59.7 million of those purchases.
The wider access could give US exporters more scope to supply specialised cuts to Chilean retailers and foodservice operators as demand develops.
US exports face tighter supplies
The gains in South America came as total US beef exports fell 5% year on year in May to 91,925 metric tonnes, although export value increased 2% to US$818.1 million.
Export value per head of fed slaughter reached US$468, its highest level in almost four years, as tight domestic cattle supplies and higher prices continued to influence the trade.
Meanwhile, stronger sales to Taiwan, Japan, ASEAN markets, Central and South America and Egypt helped offset weaker shipments elsewhere, particularly the continued limited access to China linked to plant registration and technical issues.
Excluding China, US beef exports from January through May were almost unchanged in volume terms, while their value increased 6%, with South American and other Latin American markets recording some of the stronger gains during the period.
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