In recent months, large volumes of beef have entered China, according to the Beijing office of the US Department of Agriculture. The same source concluded that, because there has been a reduction in consumption in China owing to covid-19 lockdowns, stocks must have risen there. 

USDA has estimated consumption of between 160,000 and 180,000 tonnes of imported beef per month in China for 2023. Current import levels are in excess of this, but are likely to come down. 

When China reopens and normal economic activity is resumed, beef consumption will increase and stocks should evaporate quickly, USDA has said. It warned that supplier countries may find it difficult to keep up with a surge in demand.

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