China sets beef import quotas in hit to Australia and other exporters
The Australian Meat Industry Council said the measures could slash its beef exports to China by about a third, hitting trade worth more than $1 billion.
By Hallie Gu and Ilena Peng
January 1, 2026 — 8.30am
China has placed quotas on beef imports as it seeks to protect domestic farmers and producers, dealing a blow to Australia and other major shippers including Brazil and Argentina.
Shipments exceeding the limits will be subject to a 55 per cent duty, after authorities determined that rising imports had harmed China’s own industry. The series of quotas will be in effect from January 1, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.
The trade measures, which follow an investigation launched in December 2024, are likely to restrict flows of beef into the world’s top importer, and could hurt producers and cattle farmers elsewhere. China brought in 2.6 million tonnes of beef in November this year, customs data shows.
The new Chinese import quotas are a blow to Australian beef exporters.Credit: Bloomberg
The Australian Meat Industry Council said it was “extremely disappointed” and warned the measures could slash its beef exports to China by about a third from recent levels, hitting trade worth more than $1 billion.
“This decision will have a severe impact on trade flows to China over the duration of the measures’ enforcement,” said chief executive officer Tim Ryan. “Imports of Australian beef are not a cause of damage to the domestic beef industry in China.”
The move may be good news for consumers outside of China, however, boosting supplies and potentially easing prices that have surged to record highs amid strong demand and limited supply.
‘This decision will have a severe impact on trade flows to China over the duration of the measures’ enforcement.’
Tim Ryan, Australian Meat Industry Council chief executive officer
The United States, the world’s largest market for the red meat, has struggled to match shrinking herds with resilient consumption. President Donald Trump has moved to cut tariffs on beef, along with other pricey grocery items, to appease voters increasingly disgruntled over high living costs.
The total quotas for all beef imports are set to rise incrementally each year, from 2.69 million tonnes in 2026 to 2.74 million tonnes in 2027, and 2.8 million tonnes in 2028.