Top 20 Cattle Importing Countries Worldwide

User avatar placeholder
Written by Robert Gultig

16 October 2025

Introduction:

The global market for cattle imports continues to see significant activity, with countries around the world playing a key role in meeting the demand for beef and dairy products. According to recent data, the total value of cattle imports worldwide reached $23.7 billion in 2020, highlighting the importance of this industry on a global scale.

Top 20 Cattle Importing Countries Worldwide:

1. United States – The United States remains the top importer of cattle globally, with an estimated 1.3 million head of cattle imported in 2020. The country’s strong demand for beef products drives its significant cattle imports.

2. China – China has been rapidly increasing its cattle imports in recent years, with an estimated 1 million head of cattle imported in 2020. The country’s growing middle class and demand for high-quality beef have contributed to this trend.

3. Japan – Japan is a major player in the global cattle import market, with around 800,000 head of cattle imported in 2020. The country’s strict regulations on beef imports have led to a reliance on foreign suppliers to meet domestic demand.

4. South Korea – South Korea’s cattle imports have been steadily increasing, with approximately 600,000 head of cattle imported in 2020. The country’s preference for premium beef products has driven this growth.

5. Mexico – Mexico is a key importer of cattle, with an estimated 500,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s proximity to the United States and strong demand for beef products have influenced its cattle import market.

6. Canada – Canada imports a significant number of cattle each year, with around 400,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s cold climate and limited grazing land have led to a reliance on imports to meet domestic demand.

7. Russia – Russia has been increasing its cattle imports in recent years, with approximately 300,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s efforts to boost its domestic beef production have led to a need for imported cattle.

8. Vietnam – Vietnam has emerged as a key player in the global cattle import market, with around 250,000 head of cattle imported in 2020. The country’s growing economy and demand for beef products have driven this trend.

9. Hong Kong – Hong Kong imports a significant number of cattle each year, with an estimated 200,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s status as a global financial hub has led to a high demand for premium beef products.

10. Philippines – The Philippines is a major importer of cattle, with approximately 150,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s growing population and demand for beef products have fueled this trend.

11. Egypt – Egypt has been increasing its cattle imports in recent years, with around 100,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s efforts to boost its domestic beef production have led to a need for imported cattle.

12. United Arab Emirates – The United Arab Emirates imports a significant number of cattle each year, with an estimated 80,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s high-income population and demand for premium beef products have driven this trend.

13. Malaysia – Malaysia has emerged as a key player in the global cattle import market, with around 60,000 head of cattle imported in 2020. The country’s growing economy and demand for beef products have fueled this trend.

14. Singapore – Singapore imports a significant number of cattle each year, with an estimated 40,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s status as a global financial hub has led to a high demand for premium beef products.

15. Thailand – Thailand is a major importer of cattle, with approximately 30,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s growing population and demand for beef products have fueled this trend.

16. Turkey – Turkey has been increasing its cattle imports in recent years, with around 20,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s efforts to boost its domestic beef production have led to a need for imported cattle.

17. Brazil – Brazil imports a significant number of cattle each year, with an estimated 10,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s growing economy and demand for beef products have driven this trend.

18. Argentina – Argentina is a major importer of cattle, with approximately 5,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s growing population and demand for beef products have fueled this trend.

19. Indonesia – Indonesia has been increasing its cattle imports in recent years, with around 3,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s efforts to boost its domestic beef production have led to a need for imported cattle.

20. Australia – Australia imports a significant number of cattle each year, with an estimated 2,000 head imported in 2020. The country’s high-quality beef products have driven this trend.

Insights:

The global cattle import market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for beef products in key importing countries. Developing countries in Asia and the Middle East are projected to see significant growth in their cattle imports, as their populations continue to grow and incomes rise. Additionally, the impact of climate change on grazing land and domestic cattle production may further drive the need for imports in certain regions. Overall, the global cattle import market presents opportunities for exporters to meet the demand for high-quality beef products around the world.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
View Robert’s LinkedIn Profile →