China Slaps 55% Tariff on Beef Imports, Limits Shipments from Brazil, Australia, US

• China will impose an additional 55% tariff on certain beef imports starting January 1, 2026, impacting major exporters like Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and the US.
• The tariffs are a 'safeguard' measure to protect China's domestic beef industry, which faces oversupply, weak demand, and surging imports.
• The extra tariff kicks in when exporting countries exceed their annual quotas, and the measure will last for three years until December 31, 2028.
• Specific quotas for 2026 include Brazil (1.1 million tonnes), Argentina (approx. 550,000 tonnes), Australia (200,000 tonnes), and the US (164,000 tonnes), with slight annual increases.
• China also suspended part of a free trade agreement with Australia covering beef, though officials insist the intent is temporary relief, not protectionism.

Why It Matters: China imposes 55% beef tariffs and quotas to safeguard its domestic industry from surging imports.