China Imposes 55% Tariffs on Beef Imports From Brazil, Australia, and U.S.

China imposed additional 55% tariffs on beef imports from Brazil, Australia, and the United States starting January 1, 2026.

“China announced on Wednesday the imposition, starting January 1 for three years, of additional tariffs of 55% on imports of beef from Brazil, Australia, and the United States, beyond a certain quota”

BFM

The Ministry of Commerce described the tariffs as safeguard measures that would be gradually eased.

BFM

Annual import quotas were allocated: Brazil 1.1 million metric tons, Argentina 0.5 million, Australia 200,000, and the United States 164,000.

The tariffs will apply for three years until December 31, 2028.

The Ministry also announced it was suspending part of the free trade agreement with Australia regarding beef.

The investigation was prompted by a sharp rise in beef imports, which increased 65% between 2019 and 2023.

Brazil's beef exporters rushed to fill the 1.1 million ton quota before the 55% tariff took effect.

The Cepea/Esalq fat cattle index reached R$365 per arroba, a 12.5% increase over 12 months.

Bichos de Campo

March shipments totaled 233,950 tonnes, up 8.6% over the year before.

Export revenue reached around R$7 billion for the month.

The accelerated pace consumed 33.6% of the annual quota in just two months.

Projections indicate the quota would be exhausted between May and July.

The quota system reduced the market for Brazilian beef in China, which had imported 1.68 million tonnes in 2025.

“The accelerated pace of beef exports to China has already consumed 33”

CPG Click Petróleo e Gás

ABIEC president Roberto Perosa called China's justification political and lacking technical basis.

Experts warned of a potential sales void in the third quarter.

Alternative destinations like Hong Kong and Uruguay were discussed.

The quota system is expected to remain in force for 2027 and 2028.