This chart compares the beef imports and exports (in USD) of the top 25 importers and exporters for 2015. While Brazil is the top exporter of beef at $634 million, it does not import any. United States, on the other hand, imports beef worth $427 million and exports $267 million. This might be to satisfy the local demand for beef during the months when beef production is low. Some countries do not export any, but are importers. These include: Japan, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, etc.

Total beef imports in 2016 was 6,463,958 tons and total exports across the world was 6,383,470 tons. Beef accounted for 14.4% of the total meat imports, and 13.7% of the total meat exports.