China Introduces Quotas and Additional Tariffs on Beef Imports Starting 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, China will impose an additional tariff of 55% on beef imports if the established quota levels are exceeded. This decision, aimed at supporting and protecting the national livestock industry, will take effect at the beginning of the new year.

This is reported by AgroReview

Conditions of the New Beef Import Quotas

The Ministry of Commerce of China has announced that the total import quota for 2026 for countries subject to the new protective measures will be 2.7 million tons. This figure is nearly equivalent to the record import volume of 2.87 million tons recorded in 2024.

The established limit will remain in effect until the end of 2028, with the total quota gradually increasing each year. However, analysts point out that the new annual quotas are lower than the actual import levels for the first 11 months of 2025 for key exporters, including Brazil and Australia. During this period, Brazil exported 1.33 million tons of beef to China, exceeding the established limit of 1.1 million tons for the current year.

Impact of Restrictions on Ukrainian Exporters

Ukraine is one of the suppliers of frozen beef to the Chinese market. From January to August of this year, Ukrainian exporters delivered beef worth 15.77 million USD to China. The introduction of new quotas and tariffs may affect the export opportunities for Ukraine and other suppliers.

“Starting January 1, 2026, China has imposed an additional tariff of 55% on beef imports if the quota levels are exceeded.”