Beijing: China has announced new restrictions on beef imports, saying the move is necessary to protect its domestic cattle industry from rising foreign supplies and falling prices at home.
From January 1, 2026, China will introduce annual import quotas for beef from major exporting countries. If shipments exceed these limits, an additional tariff of up to 55 percent will be imposed on the excess volume. The measures will remain in force for three years, until 2028.
The decision follows a safeguard investigation launched in late 2024 after Chinese farmers complained that cheaper imported beef was hurting local production. According to Chinese authorities, beef imports had surged in recent years, putting pressure on domestic producers who already face higher costs and lower productivity.
The new rules will affect key exporters such as Brazil, Argentina, Australia, the United States, New Zealand and Uruguay. Each country will receive a specific quota, which may increase slightly each year, but exporters risk heavy duties if they ship beyond the approved limits.
China’s commerce ministry said the steps are temporary and in line with World Trade Organization rules. Officials stressed that China is not closing its market but aims to give local farmers time to recover and adjust.
The announcement has drawn criticism from overseas beef industries. Australian producers warned the curbs could sharply reduce exports to China and lead to significant financial losses. Industry groups in Brazil and other exporting nations also expressed concern about the impact on global beef trade.
Analysts expect China’s beef imports to decline in 2026 as a result of the quotas and tariffs. This could push exporters to look for alternative markets, while domestic prices in China may stabilize as local supply gains more protection.
China is one of the world’s largest beef importers, and the new policy highlights its growing focus on food security and support for domestic agriculture, even as it remains a major player in global trade.