Brazil to Tap Uruguay's Surplus Beef Quota for China Exports, Lula Says

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on September 21, 2026, that Uruguay authorized Brazil to use the surplus from its beef export quota to China, easing pressure on Brazilian shippers facing steep out-of-quota tariffs. "I expressed my gratitude for the authorization granted to Brazil to use the surplus from Uruguay's beef export quota to China," Lula wrote on X after meeting Uruguayan counterpart Yamandu Orsi in New York. Uruguay's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China in January imposed an added 55% tariff on beef imports exceeding quota levels from key suppliers including Brazil. Brazil had shipped 98.5% of its 1.1 million metric ton quota by June, StoneX said, with the quota filled by August. Industry group Abiec expects Brazil's total beef export volumes to fall 10% year-on-year in 2026 amid Beijing's restrictions and a recent curb on exports to the European Union.