China to investigate impact of imported beef on domestic market

CHINA – China has launched a safeguarding investigation into imported beef to evaluate how rising imports are affecting its domestic beef industry.

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

The application stated that beef imports surged by 106% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019.

This increase, according to the application, has caused significant harm to China’s domestic producers.

A Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, quoted by Xinhua News Agency, explained that the investigation is in compliance with legal procedures and World Trade Organization regulations.

The probe, which will assess imports between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2024, does not target specific countries or regions and does not discriminate based on the origin of products.

The Ministry assured that regular trade would not be disrupted during the process, which is expected to conclude within eight months, with potential extensions under certain conditions.

Brazil, which exported over one million tons of beef to China in 2024, is the largest supplier to the Chinese market.

In response to the investigation, the Brazilian government emphasized its commitment to protecting the interests of its agribusiness sector while respecting China’s sovereignty as a trade partner.

A statement from Brazil’s government expressed confidence that exports of Brazilian beef complement, rather than harm, China’s domestic production.

In April 2024, JBS, a major Brazilian meat processing company, invested US$284 million in its Campo Grand II facility in Mato Grosso do Sul to double the plant’s beef processing capacity.

The upgraded facility can now process 4,400 animals per day, up from 2,200.

The plant was among 38 facilities authorized by China to export beef in March 2023, with the investment announcement coinciding with the plant’s first shipment to the Chinese market.

China’s investigation could have implications for international beef trade as it continues to balance domestic industry concerns with its import needs.

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