Aussie cattle farmers dealt blow as China slaps cap on beef imports

Friday, 2 January 2026 01:29

From yesterday, China is slapping limits on beef imports from overseas. Anything exceeding the cap will be hit with a 55 per cent tax rate.

Australian cattle farmers have been dealt a blow after China announced it would cap beef imports to better protect its own producers.

COVID-era trade ruptures with China had been seemingly repaired in recent years, but 2026 brings fresh frustrations for the beef industry.

"So we have a billion dollars worth of beef that will need to go to other markets," Cattle Australia chair Garry Edwards said.

From yesterday, China is slapping limits on beef imports from overseas. Anything exceeding the cap will be hit with a 55 per cent tax rate, with the aim by China to protect its own domestic productions.

"The large volume of beef that's been redirected from the American market into China has gone in there at very low prices, and that's had a direct impact on Chinese beef producers," Edwards said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was in talks with China over the new tariffs.

"This is something that wasn't Australia being singled out. This is a general position that China has put," Albanese said.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the Albanese government should have been able to stop the tariffs impacting Australian farmers.

"Australia should not be included in any of these arrangements when it comes to restrictions," she said.

Nationals leader David Littleproud called on Albanese and Trade Minister Don Farrell to "make urgent representations to their counterparts in Beijing".

The unexpected upside for Australian consumers is the possibility that more beef not being sold offshore will result in a surplus that needs to be sold domestically, which could cause prices to be cut.

"We may see a reduction in domestic beef prices as a result, because you'll see more high-quality beef available within the domestic market," Edwards said.

Despite the government's talks with China, Albanese says other countries may just get more Australian beef.

"Our products are in great demand right around the world. We expect that will continue to be so," Albanese said.