China warns Australia 55pc beef tariffs could apply within days
- Australian beef exporters are facing renewed trade pressure after reports that China is preparing to impose tariffs of up to 55% on certain Australian beef products, which could significantly affect export volumes and pricing.
- The move is linked to ongoing trade tensions and anti-dumping investigations, with industry groups warning it could reduce competitiveness for Australian beef in one of its most important overseas markets.
- Producers and exporters are urging the Australian government to pursue diplomatic negotiations and diversify export markets to reduce reliance on China and limit potential long-term damage to the sector.
China has warned Australia it could be slapped with an additional 55 per cent tariff on beef imports within days if it exceeds new shipment quotas.
Starting this year, Beijing introduced new quota and tariff arrangements for major beef-importing countries, including Australia, in a bid to protect local farms and beef producers.
Australia’s annual import quota was set at 205,000 tonnes of beef shipments, about one-third lower than its total imports into China from 2025.
Once that load is exceeded, a 55 per cent trade impost will soon come into effect.
New China tariff on Australian beef
An Australian meat industry peak body is “extremely disappointed” after China imposes a new tariff on Australian beef imports.
Earlier this week, China’s Ministry of Finance and Commerce issued an alert to Australia that it had reached about 90 per cent of its quota, just six months into the year.
China’s state media said the ministry’s alert notice was the fourth issued to Australia since the new quota system started.
“Previously, the ministry announced in March that imports of beef from Australia had reached 50 per cent of the annual quota under its safeguard measures, and reached 80 per cent in May,” said the Global Times, a major English state …
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Original article and photo by "ABC News"
