Exporters on alert: China evaluates imposing tariffs on Argentine beef

In the midst of the opening of a new edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), one of the most important trade events in the world, a concern runs through the entire beef and meat chain in Argentina: the "safeguard" process that the Chinese government maintains open on beef imports. The measure, initiated in December 2024, could result in restrictions or additional tariffs for the main suppliers to the Asian market, including Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Uruguay, Australia, and New Zealand. A globally impactful investigation The safeguard procedure was activated by a complaint from Chinese cattle producers, who denounced a massive influx of foreign beef at prices that—according to them—would be below the cost of local production. The government of the People's Republic of China responded by opening a formal investigation to determine if these imports indeed cause damage or a serious threat to its domestic industry. Although the measures that will eventually ...