NYSE:BRFS 2 January 2026

China’s 55% beef tariff hits Australia as China caps imports for 2026

China imposed a 55% tariff on beef imports exceeding new quotas from Jan. 1, 2026, affecting Australia, Brazil, and the U.S. Australia’s beef exports to China could drop by a third, costing the sector about $1 billion, according to industry groups. The three-year safeguard system sets a 2026 quota of 205,000 metric tons for Australia. Beijing said the move aims to protect its domestic industry.

2 January 2026

NYSE:BRFS·NYSE:JBS·NYSE:TSN·Stock Market

Smiths Group Shares Fall 6% Despite Strategic Sales and Capital Returns
March 20, 2026, 7:37 AM EDT. Shares of Smiths Group (LSE:SMIN) dropped 5.9% to 2,222p following mixed half-year results and slightly lowered full-year guidance. The company saw organic revenue growth of 4% and a 7.2% rise in headline operating profit to £248 million, with margins improving 50 basis points to 17.2%. However, statutory profits fell sharply due to one-off charges, causing a 17.4% drop in earnings per share. CEO Roland Carter highlighted the sale of Smiths Detection and Smiths Interconnect as transformational, alongside a £1.5 billion planned shareholder return through 2027. Analysts noted investor disappointment over modest revenue growth and trimmed guidance, despite a 5.4% dividend increase. Long-term outlook remains positive with disposals, acquisitions, and capital returns aiming for mid-term 5-7% organic growth and 21-23% margins, seen as a potential buying opportunity by some market watchers.