BEIJING: China stated it might ship a “honest and goal” ruling following a listening to in its ongoing investigation into beef imports that would result in greater tariffs or import limits if it finds home producers are in danger.
China is the world’s largest beef client and importer, and its investigation coincides with a commerce dispute with US President Donald Trump, who is about to announce reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday (Apr 2) after Washington and Beijing hit one another with tit-for-tat tariffs in March.
Launched final 12 months, China’s assessment covers all imported beef, somewhat than that from any particular nation, as slower demand and a home provide glut hit China’s beef market.
Monday’s listening to introduced collectively round 180 representatives, together with officers from main suppliers Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Uruguay and the USA, China’s Ministry of Commerce stated in an announcement. Exporters, commerce associations, Chinese language importers and home beef producers, additionally attended, the ministry stated.
China imported a report 2.87 million metric tons of beef in 2024, in line with customs information, heightening issues over doable commerce restrictions that would have an effect on main suppliers.
Brazil, the world’s largest beef exporter, alone bought 1.3 million tons to China final 12 months, in line with commerce information from the Brazilian Affiliation of Meat Exporting Industries, ABIEC, an trade foyer.
US Meat Export Federation spokesman Joe Schuele stated US beef primarily served China’s high-end meals service and retail sectors, and didn’t compete straight with home beef that’s typically priced decrease.
“We do not really feel that any restrictions on US beef are going to learn the home trade,” Schuele stated.
