Updated throughout the quarter by the Alba Trade Compliance team
The United States applies a quarterly tariff-rate quota (TRQ) to fresh, chilled, and frozen beef imports from Argentina. This page tracks Q3 2026 quota utilization so importers can gauge duty exposure and plan entries with current data. The Q3 quota is filling quickly.
Quota status: 29% filled as of July 10, 2026.
Q3 2026 Quota at a Glance
| Quota period | Q3 2026 (July 1 – September 30, 2026) |
| Quota limit | 20,000,000 kg |
| Quota filled | 29% (5,716,335 kg) |
| Quota remaining | 71% (14,283,665 kg) |
| Last updated | July 10, 2026 |
Figures reflect the most recent utilization data available at the time of posting.
Duty Rates Jump When the Quota Fills
While the quota is open, qualifying entries receive the in-quota duty rate. Once the quarterly allocation fills, subsequent entries may be subject to the over-quota rate until the next period opens on October 1. Last quarter, the quota reached capacity before quarter-end, and importers with goods still in transit absorbed the difference.
- Plan entry timing around remaining capacity, not the calendar.
- Evaluate alternative sourcing early if the fill pace holds — before the quota closes, not after.
Get Milestone Alerts Before It’s Too Late
Alba tracks utilization throughout the quarter and posts updates as the quota crosses 50%, 75%, and 90%.
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Questions about your shipments or quota exposure? Contact the Alba team for help planning imports and minimizing duty impacts.
