The second tranche of the 2026 Affordable Beef tariff-rate quota is now open, providing 100 million kilograms of additional quota access for eligible beef imports during the October 1–30 period.

Importers should closely monitor utilization throughout the month as entries are presented and available quota declines.
Affordable Beef Quota Reaches 11% Ahead of October 30 Deadline

The second tranche of the Affordable Beef tariff-rate quota, primarily covering imports from Brazil, is now 11% filled, with approximately 88.7 million kilograms remaining as of October 13. While substantial capacity remains, the current tranche closes October 30. Importers should monitor utilization and coordinate entry timing to take advantage of available quota capacity.

October 2026 Quota at a Glance

Quota period	October 1 – October 31, 2026
Quota category	Other Countries – Affordable Beef
Quota limit	100,000,000 kg
Quota filled	31% (31,090,337  kg)
Quota remaining	69% (68,909,663 kg)
95% threshold	95,000,000 kg
Status	Open
Last updated	October 27, 2026

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

Why Importers Should Monitor the Quota

Although significant capacity remains available, utilization can accelerate as the tranche progresses. Importers with qualifying beef shipments arriving this month should monitor quota availability and consider entry timing as part of their import planning.

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.