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5h ago

China Activates Three-Year Beef Import Safeguard With 55% Surcharge Above Quotas

Beijing says the quotas aim to protect its cattle sector following a probe that found import surges hurt producers.

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SHENZHEN, CHINA - APRIL 12: Packaged U.S. imported beef is displayed for sale at a supermarket, with marbled cuts individually wrapped and labeled with U.S. Beef stickers featuring the American flag, on April 12, 2025 in Shenzhen, China. China has imposed a new round of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, raising duties to 125% in response to the latest escalation by the United States, which increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%. The growing trade tensions have further impacted China's export sector, affecting key industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and cross-border e-commerce. The measures are part of Beijing's broader strategy to counter rising economic pressure and defend its trade interests.
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Overview

  • The safeguard took effect January 1, 2026 and runs through December 31, 2028, with the 55% levy applied to volumes exceeding country-specific caps that rise slightly each year.
  • For 2026 China set a total beef import ceiling of about 2.7 million tonnes, allocating roughly 1.1 million to Brazil, about 205,000 to Australia, and 164,000 to the United States.
  • Authorities said they are suspending part of the China–Australia free trade agreement covering beef as the new measures roll out.
  • Australian industry groups warn exports to China could drop by about one-third, costing roughly A$1 billion, while government ministers register formal concerns with Beijing.
  • Brazil’s meat sector projects multi‑billion‑dollar losses and the government signals bilateral talks and possible WTO action, whereas U.S. exporters see limited immediate impact because current shipments are below the U.S. quota.