China suspends beef imports from multiple facilities amid ongoing market review

CHINA – Chinese customs authorities have halted beef imports from seven facilities in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mongolia as the country continues assessing the impact of rising imports on its domestic market.

A notice on the customs office website states that the suspension applies to two Argentine companies—Frigorífico Regional General Las Heras SA and Frio Dock SA—along with three Brazilian meatpacking plants. 

These include a facility owned by Frisa Frigorífico Rio Doce S/A in Nanuque, another from Bon-Mart Frigorífico Ltda in Presidente Prudente, and a third operated by JBS S/A in Mozarlândia.

The restriction also affects Uruguay’s Frigorífico Sirsil SA and a supplier from Mongolia. However, authorities have not provided specific reasons for the suspensions.

However, Brazil’s meat exporters’ association, Abiec, has responded, stating that the suspensions are linked to non-compliance with China’s registration requirements for foreign processing plants. 

The group noted that the affected companies have been informed and are working to address the issues to align with Chinese regulations.

Abiec further stated that discussions are underway with relevant authorities to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay are among China’s leading sources of imported beef.

China reviews surging beef imports

This development comes after China’s Ministry of Commerce launched an investigation late last year to examine the impact of rising beef imports on its domestic industry. 

The country, which is both the world’s largest importer and consumer of beef, has seen oversupply push local beef prices to their lowest levels in years.

The ministry initiated the probe on December 27 following an application from the China Animal Agriculture Association and nine other industry groups representing key beef-producing regions.

According to the application, beef imports in the first half of 2024 were 106% higher than in the same period in 2019. 

The groups argue that this surge has severely affected local producers.

A Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, quoted by Xinhua News Agency, stated that the investigation follows legal procedures and aligns with World Trade Organization rules.

The review would examine imports from January 1, 2019, to June 30, 2024, without targeting specific countries or regions. 

Officials have assured that trade will continue as usual during the process, which is set to last eight months but may be extended under certain conditions.

Brazil, the largest supplier of beef to China, shipped over one million tons to the country in 2024.

In response, the Brazilian government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its agricultural sector while acknowledging China’s right to regulate its market.

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