Media: China imposes country-specific quota restrictions on imported beef, with an additional 55% tariff on excess imports. Australian minister expresses disappointment

The Australian government expressed "disappointment" over China's decision to impose new tariffs on beef imports, and an industry organization warned that the move could harm trade worth more than 1 billion Australian dollars between the two countries. China announced that in the next three years, it will impose additional tariffs of 55% on imported beef from countries such as Brazil, Australia, and the United States, beyond the specified quantities. The Chinese side also stated that during the implementation period of the safeguard measures, the special safeguard measures for beef under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement will be suspended.

The Ministry of Commerce of China issued a notice on Wednesday, ruling that the increase in imported beef has caused serious damage to the domestic industry, and there is a causal relationship between the two, and decided to take safeguard measures in the form of "country-specific quotas and additional tariffs on quotas." The implementation period of the safeguard measures is 3 years, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. The safeguard measures will gradually relax at fixed intervals during the implementation period.

Australian Prime Minister Albanese (Anthony Albanese) said that the Australian government is communicating with China regarding the new restrictions and "will continue to advocate for Australian interests as usual." Albanese added that Australia is not being specifically targeted by China, and the tariff is "comprehensive." He also said, "The Australian beef industry has never been stronger."

Australian Trade Minister Farrell (Don Farrell) said in a statement, "We are disappointed with this decision." Farrell also pointed out, "We have clearly told China that Australian beef does not pose a threat to China's beef industry, and we hope that our status as a valued free trade agreement partner is respected."

Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Collins (Julie Collins) told the media that Australian beef is the country's "largest agricultural export commodity." Collins said, "That's why we are deeply concerned about this decision by China," and mentioned that the Australian government is working with the beef industry to assess its impact.

China is Australia's second-largest beef export market, after the United States. According to the new rules, Australia's beef import quota in 2026 is approximately 200,000 tons. In recent years, the price of beef in China has been declining, and analysts believe that oversupply and insufficient demand are the reasons for this trend, while China's slowing economic growth as the world's second-largest economy is also a reason for the decline in beef prices. At the same time, China's beef imports from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Australia have increased significantly.

The Australian Meat Industry Council said in a statement that the new restrictions "could reduce Australia's beef exports to China by about one-third compared to the past 12 months, with trade value exceeding 1 billion Australian dollars." The council's executive Ryan (Tim Ryan) warned that the tariff would have "a significant impact" on trade and "limit Chinese consumers' access to safe and reliable Australian beef."

In addition, the New Zealand government believes that the Chinese measures are unlikely to have a major impact on New Zealand exporters. After investigating the impact of imported beef on its domestic beef industry, China announced quota restrictions. Starting from Thursday, New Zealand will have an annual duty-free quota slightly above 200,000 tons, with potential value up to 1.75 billion New Zealand dollars.

New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment McClay (Todd McClay) said that although this quota is higher than the past two years, it is still not welcome. He explained that he has demonstrated to Chinese officials that New Zealand exporters have not harmed the Chinese beef market.

McClay claimed, "Last year, I explained to Chinese officials three times that New Zealand exporters have not harmed the Chinese beef market, and therefore should not be adversely affected by the safeguard measures."

McClay continued, "Our quota allocation means that according to the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, New Zealand beef exports are actually not affected." China is New Zealand's second-largest beef market after the United States.

Sources: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1853132943952908/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.