China strengthens support for its livestock industry and adjusts beef trade
According to China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the beef and dairy industries are "currently dealing with oversupply", making it difficult to consolidate long-term sustainable production.
The official agency indicated that the support policies already implemented have allowed cattle farming to once again show signs of profitability, while the dairy sector has managed to reduce its losses. However, they acknowledged that stabilizing production remains a complex task, and therefore, they will move forward with new assistance tools, including greater access to credit for producers.
The situation stems from a scenario in which domestic production has remained high, while consumption is growing at a more moderate pace, putting pressure on prices and margins in the livestock sector. This imbalance led the Chinese government to strengthen its strategy of supporting production and regulating the market.
Alongside domestic policies, China has also made progress in trade protection measures, directly linked to the situation in the beef sector.
Effective January 1, 2026, China implemented a safeguard regime for beef imports, which includes:
The scheme will be in effect until the end of 2028 and aims to protect local production from the high volume of imported meat, helping to balance the domestic supply.
These measures directly impact key exporting countries such as Brazil, Argentine, and Uruguay, which in recent years have become the main suppliers of beef to the Chinese market. In Argentine's case, for example, an annual quota of approximately 511,000 tons has been established, while shipments exceeding that volume will be subject to the additional tariff.
China is one of the world's largest importers of beef, so any adjustment to its production or trade policies has direct repercussions on the international meat trade. The combination of domestic support, import controls, and access to financing aims to stabilize prices, sustain local producers, and guarantee supply in the medium term.
The announcement reinforces the signal that the Asian giant will continue to actively intervene in its agri-food market, in line with its food security and production regulation strategy, in a global context marked by market volatility and increasing international competition.
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