NCBA Focuses on Beef Trade and Market Access Priorities for 2026
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association continues to be active in efforts to improve trade and market access for U.S. beef. During CattleCon in Nashville, NCBA leaders discussed ongoing trade challenges and opportunities that will shape the industry’s outlook heading into 2026.
Kent Bacus, Executive Director of Government Affairs for NCBA, said one of the biggest unanswered questions remains access to key global markets. “Well as we look into 2026 we’re still trying to find out what our access is going to look like in some of these key markets. Unfortunately we still don’t have access into China and the lack of access there means we’re still leaving about $1.4 billion on the table.”
Without access to China, NCBA is working with the administration to identify alternative markets for U.S. beef. “We’ve got to find other markets to ship that product and that’s really been something we’ve been trying to work with the administration to identify some key markets. We see opportunities across Southeast Asia but really we need to find a path forward with the Chinese,” Bacus said. He added that while progress may take time, “hopefully that is something that can come to fruition here in hopefully the next couple of months but it’s not all doom and gloom.”
Bacus pointed to recent gains in other regions, noting, “We do have some opportunities to develop new access into the United Kingdom. We finally have access into Australia and while those are not markets that are going to absorb the same kind of cuts that China is buying from us, it is a good step.” NCBA hopes to build on those successes with additional market access wins in the coming year.
Another major focus for 2026 is the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. “Clearly for beef and cattle it’s been a great market, a great trade agreement. The fact we have unfettered duty-free access into both those markets is a good thing,” Bacus said. He emphasized that the agreement helps producers remain competitive, efficient, and profitable.
However, Bacus acknowledged there are unresolved trade issues. He cited agricultural concerns with Mexico involving produce and sugar, as well as broader energy policy issues, and ongoing dairy disputes with Canada. “So unless they’re willing just to make good on all the promises they made six years ago, then we’re going to have to see some kind of renegotiation,” he said.
Despite potential challenges, NCBA hopes any changes will avoid major disruption. “Hopefully it’s not going to be anything too disruptive because that’s not something we need. We don’t need that volatility. We need steady access into Canada and Mexico, continue to have good trade with those two countries.”
NCBA leaders say maintaining stable trade relationships while expanding access to new markets will be critical to supporting U.S. cattle producers and the long-term growth of beef exports in 2026 and beyond.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.