China Implements Protective Measures on Beef Imports Through Tariff Policy

Safeguard Measures to Protect Domestic Cattle Industry

China has announced a significant trade policy change by implementing a 55% additional tariff on beef imports that exceed the established quota, effective from January 1, 2026. This measure is designed to safeguard the domestic cattle industry, which has been under pressure from the surge in imported beef. The total import quota for 2026 has been set at 2.7 million metric tons, which is slightly below the record 2.87 million tons imported in 2024.

Key Features of the New Tariff Policy

1. Tariff Structure: 55% additional tariff on imports exceeding the quota
2. Quota Limit: 2.7 million metric tons for 2026, with gradual increases annually
3. Implementation Period: Three years starting from January 1, 2026
4. Affected Suppliers: Major exporters including Brazil, Australia, United States, Argentina, Uruguay, and New Zealand

Market Impact and Industry Response

The new policy is expected to significantly impact major beef-exporting countries, particularly Brazil and Australia, which have been the largest suppliers to China. Data shows that during the first 11 months of 2025, China's beef imports reached 2.59 million tons, a slight decrease of 0.3% from the previous year. Industry analysts, such as Hongzhi Xu from Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultants, predict that China's beef imports will decline further in 2026 due to these new restrictions.

Economic Rationale Behind the Policy

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce justified the safeguard measures by stating that the surge in beef imports has 'seriously harmed the domestic industry'. The government aims to strike a balance between meeting domestic demand and protecting local cattle farmers. While the quota for 2026 is set at 2.7 million tons, it is designed to increase gradually over the three-year period of the safeguard measure.