The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) notes confirmation from Chinese authorities that Australia has reached 100 per cent of its 2026 imported beef safeguard quota, triggering a 55 per cent tariff on Australian beef imports into China for the remainder of the calendar year. This milestone represents a significant deterioration in trading conditions for Australian exporters.
AMIC engaged with China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) throughout its safeguard investigation in 2025 and has been working closely members and the Australian Government to respond to the safeguard measure since it was announced on 31 December 2025.
AMIC CEO Tim Ryan said the development marks a critical point for the industry.
“Hitting 100 per cent of the quota is a major and consequential milestone, with immediate impacts for Australian exporters,” Mr Ryan said.
AMIC has consistently noted that the quota allocated to Australia was not reflective of demand and was disproportionate to our longstanding trading relationship. The rapid full utilisation of Australia’s 205,000-tonne tariff-free quota means that all further Australian beef exports to China will face a prohibitive 55 per cent tariff, despite Australia accounting for just 8 per cent of China’s beef imports. The 55% tariff will be in force from midnight on 20 June 2026.
“A tariff of this scale will severely disrupt trade flows into one of our most important markets, and impact the ability for Chinese consumers to access safe, reliable Australian beef,” he said.
“The combination of external trade barriers and rising domestic costs means 2026 is an exceptionally challenging year for the sector,” Mr Ryan said.
“We will continue to work with our members and partners in the Australian Government to advocate for improved trading conditions which facilitate a more stable and reliable trade in Australian beef to China.
ENDS
About AMIC
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), is the sole Peak Industry body representing the meat industry, including processors, smallgoods manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors through to independent retail butchers and exporters.
Media contact:
Jemma Harper – General Manager Corporate Affairs
M: 0429 040 128
E: [email protected]
