China imposes tariffs on beef as a "safeguard" measure

The total import quota for 2026 is 2.7 million tons. Starting from January 1, the quota of the new measure will increase annually and will expire after three years. The additional tariff is considered a "safeguard" to protect China's domestic cattle industry, said the Ministry of Commerce. In 2024, China imported a record total of 2.87 million tons. However, the new annual quota levels are already lower than the import levels for the first 11 months of 2025 for Brazil and Australia. "The increase in the amount of imported beef has severely damaged the Chinese national industry," explained the ministry after analyzing an investigation initiated in December 2024. In response to China's new measure, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) expressed its "disappointment" on behalf of Australia's meat industry. "Australia has maintained constant dialogue with China throughout its investigation process, making it clear at every opportunity that our exports are not the cause of any supposed harm ...