China will impose an additional 55% tariff on certain beef imports from Jan. 1, applying to overseas shipments that exceed 2.7 million metric tonnes, with the safeguard measures set to remain in place for at least three years.
The decision follows a year-long government investigation in which Meat & Livestock Australia and the Australian Meat Industry Council submitted evidence arguing that imports were not the cause of market pressures.
However, Chinese authorities said the safeguards were necessary to address surging imports that had "seriously" damaged domestic producers.
Australia accounted for about 8% of China’s beef imports in 2024, and the new tariffs could cut Australian beef exports to China by around one-third compared with the past year, when trade exceeded $1 billion.
Industry groups warned the move would disrupt trade flows, strain China–Australia Free Trade Agreement ties and limit Chinese consumers' access to Australian beef, although AMIC and Meat & Livestock Australia said they would continue constructive engagement with Chinese counterparts.
AMIC CEO Tim Ryan said the decision effectively rewarded exporters that rapidly increased volumes in recent years.