China’s New Beef Import Safeguards – A Message to Members from CEO Scott Wright
China’s announcement of new safeguard tariffs on imported beef from 2026 was more than disappointing news for our industry and I wanted to comment as this development begins to circulate across the supply chain.
Speculation is rife at the moment as producers, processors, feedlots and the entire supply chain are rightly concerned (and frustrated).
These changes will affect the Angus industry, what we don’t know is how big will these changes become in terms of markets. I know many Angus breeders will be feeling uncertain about what this means for their businesses, and I want to acknowledge that.
I did have a good briefing with Simon Quilty yesterday and obviously there is significant concern in the processing sector.
China has confirmed it will introduce a new tariff rate quota system across major beef‑exporting nations from 2026. Australia has been allocated 205,000 tonnes of quota for the first year. Once this volume is reached, any additional exports will face a 55 per cent tariff, which is widely expected to limit further viable trade for the remainder of the calendar year.
Australia exported close to 250,000 tonnes of beef to China and Hong Kong in the 12 months to November 2025, meaning the quota could be reached as early as late winter. The reality is that imports may surge earlier and bring forward that date.
You will see in the media many articles and I believe some industry proposals will circulate.
While China remains a valued market for Australian beef, these changes highlight the importance of maintaining diverse international markets. We have learned the hard way that China is a high risk market and a difficult political situation accentuates the issue.
While we can appreciate that China is seeking to protect its domestic industry, the reality is that a free and open market is the real source of enduring industry prosperity. In Australia we have seen that when there is market intervention, rarely is it successful.
For Angus producers, our reputation has been forged on supplying premium product and our long‑standing reputation will be vital as markets adjust.
Angus Australia will monitor developments closely and share updates when and if information becomes available.
Scott Wright
Chief Executive Officer
Angus Australia
