China Slaps Cap on Australian Beef Imports
China Caps Australian Beef Imports, Reshaping Global Trade Flows
China has introduced a new safeguard regime on Australian beef, capping imports at 205,000 metric tonnes for 2026 and imposing a 55% tariff on volumes above the quota, a move expected to alter global beef trade patterns.
According to analysis from S&P Global, the cap will force Australian exporters to redirect product into alternative markets, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North America. While in-quota beef will continue to enter China duty-free, the steep over-quota tariff effectively limits further growth.
China is a critical destination for Australian beef, particularly for manufacturing beef and secondary cuts that support carcase balance. With the cap in place, analysts expect increased competition and price pressure in non-Chinese markets as Australian volumes seek new homes.
The move also has wider implications. Reduced Australian supply growth into China could open space for other exporters, notably Brazil and New Zealand, while contributing to greater price volatility across global beef markets.
S&P Global noted that the safeguard reflects China’s broader strategy of protecting domestic producers while managing import dependency, using quotas and tariffs to fine-tune supply rather than impose outright bans.
Source: S&P Global | 23 January 2026
Read full article Share on X