BEIJING: China stated it could ship a “honest and goal” ruling following a listening to in its ongoing investigation into beef imports that would result in increased 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 ready 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 evaluation covers all imported beef, fairly 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 america, China’s Ministry of Commerce stated in a press release. Exporters, commerce associations, Chinese language importers and home beef producers, additionally attended, the ministry stated.
China imported a document 2.87 million metric tons of beef in 2024, in keeping with customs knowledge, heightening considerations over potential commerce restrictions that would have an effect on main suppliers.
Brazil, the world’s greatest beef exporter, alone bought 1.3 million tons to China final 12 months, in keeping with commerce knowledge 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 profit the home trade,” Schuele stated.
