China has hardened its stance: This measure could affect the entire world

China's beef imports have soared in recent years, reaching $14.2 billion in 2023, according to customs data, up from $8.2 billion in 2019. Brazil accounted for 42% of imports, followed by Argentina with 15% and Australia with 12%. China's Ministry of Commerce announced that it would launch an investigation into beef imports. The ministry said in a statement that the investigation covers fresh beef, chilled beef, beef heads and frozen beef imported between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2024. The investigation was requested by the China Livestock Association and other cattle and livestock groups, who said the sharp increase in import volumes had "seriously damaged" the domestic industry. Beef imports in 2023 were almost 65% higher than in 2019, and in the first half of 2024 they were more than double those in the first half of 2019. According to the ministry, imports of the products under review accounted for 30.9% of the Chinese market. Meat prices in China, including pork, beef and ...