ICYMI: China slaps 55% tariff on excess beef imports under new three-year safeguard regime

China is set to impose a 55% tariff on beef imports exceeding new quotas starting from January 1, 2026. This tariff will apply only to excess volumes beyond the defined import quotas, which for 2026 are set at 2.7 million metric tonnes, slightly below the shipments expected in 2025. Brazil and Australia will face the most significant impacts as their quotas are below current export volumes, potentially leading to major changes in trade flows. The move is part of China's efforts to protect its domestic cattle industry from the surge in imports, which officials claim has damaged local producers. However, analysts doubt that the tariffs alone will resolve the underlying structural challenges, especially considering the competitive advantages held by producers in other regions like Brazil and Argentina.