From 1 January 2026, China will implement protective measures for imported beef, which will consist of specific quotas by country and an additional tariff of 55% on imports that exceed those limits. This decision is based on the results of an investigation which concluded that the domestic livestock industry has suffered damage, as reported by the Ministry of Commerce. Beef imports have grown in recent years, and there is a connection between this increase and the problems faced by the local industry. This supports the need to implement temporary protection measures, in accordance with Chinese legislation and the rules of the World Trade Organization. The provisions will be in force for a period of three years, until 31 December 2028, and will be implemented through annual country-specific quotas, which will be progressively increased. Once the allocated volume has been reached, imports will be subject to an additional tariff of 55%, which will be added to existing duties. The Ministry clarified that imports made within the established limits will retain the applicable tariffs and that unused quotas cannot be transferred to the following year. During the duration of these measures, specific safeguard mechanisms stipulated in the free trade agreement between China and Australia will be suspended.
