HS Code:
Chuck cuts, typically classified under HS Code 0201 (fresh or chilled beef) or 0202 (frozen beef), refer to cuts of beef from the shoulder area of the cow, including parts like the chuck roast, chuck steak, and shoulder clod. These cuts are known for their rich flavor and are often used in stews, roasts, and ground beef production due to their higher connective tissue content. They are a significant category in the global meat trade, with demand driven by both retail and food processing industries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 2.5 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
800,000 metric tons
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
650,000 metric tons
26% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
400,000 metric tons
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
300,000 metric tons
12% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
200,000 metric tons
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (imposed by certain Asian markets like South Korea on non-FTA partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA and EU-Mercosur)
Rising demand in Asia-Pacific
Increased exports from major producers like Brazil and Australia to meet growing middle-class demand for beef in countries like China and Vietnam.
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable and grass-fed beef
Consumers in North America and Europe are driving demand for sustainably sourced chuck cuts, influencing production practices and certification requirements.
2020-2022
Price volatility due to supply chain disruptions
Global supply chain issues, including labor shortages and shipping delays, have led to fluctuating prices for chuck cuts, affecting trade profitability.
2021-2022
After a temporary suspension due to atypical BSE cases, China reinstated imports of Brazilian beef, including chuck cuts, boosting trade volumes.
March 2023
Significant increase in Brazilian export volumes, stabilizing prices in the Asian market.
Under the USMCA agreement, tariffs on beef cuts, including chuck, between the US, Canada, and Mexico have been further reduced or eliminated.
January 2023
Enhanced trade flows within North America, with increased exports from the US to Mexico.
The European Union introduced stricter sanitary standards for imported beef, requiring additional certifications for hormone-free production.
July 2022
Increased compliance costs for exporters like Argentina and Brazil, potentially reducing their market share in the EU.