Australian beef industry slams China’s new 55 per cent import tariffs
Australia’s beef industry reacts to China’s decision to impose massive tariffs on imports; This decision suggested that the summit’s claims would affect over $1 billion in trade.
Starting January 1, 2026, overseas importers will face a 55 percent tariff on beef imports to China that exceed quota levels.
In 2026, this threshold will be 2.7 million tons, “safeguard measures” will be implemented for at least three years and quota levels will increase every year.
According to the Chinese government, the changes are designed to address rising import levels that are causing “severe” damage to China’s domestic industry.
By 2024, Australia accounted for approximately 8 percent of China’s total beef imports.
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) criticized the move, saying the announcement was “extremely disappointing”.
It said the changes would have the potential to reduce Australia’s beef exports to China by around a third compared to last year, representing more than $A1 billion in trade.
“This decision appears to reward other countries that have increased the volume of beef exported to the Chinese market in recent years,” said AMIC CEO Tim Ryan.
“This decision will have a serious impact on trade flows to China for the duration of the measures’ implementation, disrupting long-standing relationships developed under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement and restricting the ability of Chinese consumers to access safe and reliable Australian beef.”
AMIC, along with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), said it complied with the Chinese government’s year-long investigation before the changes; this includes providing official evidence at face-to-face hearings in China and hosting Chinese investigators in Australia.
Mr Ryan said during this period AMIC and MLA had “repeatedly emphasized” Australia’s position as a reliable and reliable source of beef for China and the country’s role in meeting domestic consumer demand.
“Australian beef imports are not a cause for harm to the domestic beef industry in China,” he said.
AMIC plans to lobby the Australian and Chinese governments to assess the consequences of the measures.
“We will be making strong representations to the Australian and Chinese governments on behalf of our members about the serious and unnecessary impacts of these new measures,” Mr Ryan said.
“Whatever our disappointment with these safeguards, AMIC will continue to work constructively with our Chinese counterparts to mutually develop our respective industries for long-term prosperity.”
