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.