China’s Beef Safeguards Reshape Global Trade
China’s Beef Safeguards Shake Global Meat Trade, Forcing Exporters to Rethink Strategy
China has introduced safeguard measures on imported beef. These are set to reshape global meat trade flows and force major exporters to reassess market strategies over the next three years.
Under the new regime, which took effect on 1 January 2026 and runs until 31 December 2028, China has imposed country-specific tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on beef imports. Shipments exceeding allocated volumes will face an additional 55% tariff. This will significantly raise costs for suppliers that breach quota limits.
According to NUFFOODS Spectrum Asia, China’s beef imports surged 73.2% between 2019 and 2024. Meanwhile, imported beef’s share of the domestic market rose from 20% to nearly 30%. Authorities say the safeguards are designed to protect domestic producers from rapid import growth.
Source article: NUFFOODS Spectrum Asia | 6 January 2026
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