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.
Market Insight: According to the Argentine Ministry, 100% of the Q3 tariff-rate quota has already been allocated to Argentine packers and suppliers. After the quota filled early last quarter, Argentina reportedly limited issuance of export certificates (eCerts) to the full 20,000 metric tons available for this tranche. As a result, importers who have already secured an eCert are generally expected to have access to the quota, making the remaining published fill level less indicative of actual availability than in prior quarters. Importers without an allocated eCert may have limited opportunities despite the quota not yet appearing full.
Quota status: 59% filled as of August 3, 2026.
Q3 2026 Quota at a Glance
| Quota period | Q3 2026 (July 1 – September 30, 2026) |
| Quota limit | 20,000,000 kg |
| Quota filled | 59% (11,806,778 kg) |
| Quota remaining | 42% (8,424,481 kg) |
| Last updated | August 3, 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%.
To receive these updates, sign up for the newsletter.
Questions about your shipments or quota exposure? Contact the Alba team for help planning imports and minimizing duty impacts.
