Overview
- The safeguard took effect on January 1, 2026 and is set to run for three years under rules announced by China’s commerce ministry.
- China set a 2.7 million tonne ceiling for 2026 and assigned country quotas, granting Brazil about 1 million tonnes and Australia about 205,000 tonnes before the 55% duty applies.
- Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said Australia has “serious concerns” and confirmed officials are in talks with Chinese counterparts to secure the best outcome.
- The Australian Meat Industry Council warned the new limits could deliver a billion-dollar hit to Australia’s beef exports to China and disrupt established trade relationships.
- Beijing said the safeguard is intended to protect domestic producers and is not targeted at any specific country.