trade news

Affordable Beef TRQ Tracker: September 2026

Summer Brown

September 8, 2026

Updated throughout the quota period by the Alba Trade Compliance team

The first tranche of the temporary 300,000-metric-ton Affordable Beef quota increase opened September 1, 2026, under the “Other Countries” quota allocation.

The September tranche provides 100,000 metric tons (100,000,000 kg) of quota access through September 30. The additional quota is separate from the Argentina-specific beef quota and is primarily being utilized by beef imports from Brazil.

Learn more about the 300,000-metric-ton beef quota, including eligibility requirements and the three-tranche schedule.

Alba is tracking utilization so importers can monitor remaining capacity, evaluate potential duty exposure and plan entries accordingly.

Quota status: 19% filled as of September 9, 2026.

September 2026 Quota at a Glance

Quota periodSeptember 1 – September 30, 2026
Quota categoryOther Countries – Affordable Beef
Quota limit100,000,000 kg
Quota filled19% (19,271,607 kg)
Quota remaining80,728,393 kg
95% threshold95,000,000 kg
StatusOpen
Last updatedSeptember 9, 2026

Figures reflect the most recent quota utilization data available at the time of posting.

What Importers Should Know

With more than 19.27 million kg already entered against the September tranche, importers should continue monitoring utilization as shipments approach entry.

Available quota capacity can directly affect duty treatment, particularly for shipments arriving later in the month. Importers should:

  • Monitor remaining quota capacity as shipments approach entry.
  • Plan entry timing around available capacity, rather than assuming the quota will remain open through September 30.
  • Evaluate potential duty exposure early for shipments that could arrive after available capacity has been exhausted.

Duty Exposure When the Quota Fills

While quota capacity remains available, qualifying entries may receive the applicable in-quota duty rate. Once available capacity is exhausted, subsequent entries may be subject to the applicable over-quota duty rate.

Get Beef Quota Updates

Alba tracks quota utilization throughout the period and will update this page as additional capacity is used.

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Questions about your shipments or quota exposure? Contact the Alba team for help evaluating entry timing and potential duty impacts.