Beef exporters have been caught off guard after China announced tariffs of up to 55 per cent on beef imports from countries including Australia when shipments exceed set quotas.
The measures are aimed at protecting China’s domestic farmers and producers. Australia has been allocated 205,000 tonnes under China’s total 2.7 million-tonne beef import quota for 2026.
Free trade agreement under scrutiny
While other exporting nations are also subject to quotas, industry groups and the federal opposition argue the move breaches the free trade agreement signed by Australia and China in 2015.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said Australian officials had told their Chinese counterparts the decision was unjustified.
“We have made it clear to China that Australian beef is not a risk to their beef sector, and that we expect our status as a valued free trade agreement partner to be respected,” he said.
“Australia is a trading nation, with a network of trade agreements spanning almost 80 per cent of the globe.”
Government raises concerns with Beijing
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the government had “serious concerns” about the tariffs and was working closely with industry to assess the full impact.
“We will always stand up for our farmers and producers, and for our proud beef industry,” she said.
The coalition has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to use his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping to seek a resolution.
Industry warns of billion-dollar impact
Industry bodies Cattle Australia and the Australian Meat Industry Council estimate the restrictions could cut Australia’s beef exports to China by about a third compared with 2025.
That would equate to a loss of more than $1 billion in annual trade.
