Latest update: 25 June 2026

Following the announcement in early June, China’s Ministry of Commerce has officially confirmed Australia’s 2026 beef quota of 205,000 tonnes was filled on 18 June.
  • Australian beef exports to China will now have a 55% tariff applied until 31 December 2026 (effective from 20 June 2026).
  • China implemented these safeguard measures on 1 January 2026 to protect domestic cattle industry amid rising foreign supply.
  • According to the China of Ministry of Commerce’s official statement, tariffs are imposed from the third day after a country’s export volume reaches its annual quota, however, although quotas were reached on 18 June, the tariff commenced on 20 June.
  • On 1 January 2027, Australia’s beef quota for 2027 increases to 209,000 tonnes from 205,000 tonnes for 2026.

Why this matters for Queensland 

  • Queensland has historically exported more than 50% of Australia’s beef to China each year. Over the four months to April 2026, NSW and Victorian producers captured greater beef export shares in the China market prior to the quota being filled - up to 32% and 27% respectively. Queensland’s relative share for this period, has therefore dropped to 34% (Queensland Government Statisticians Office).
  • The remainder of 2026, Queensland beef exports to China will incur the 55% tariff.

What changed on 1 January 2026

China introduced new restrictions on beef imports from 1 January 2026, implementing safeguard measures to protect its domestic cattle industry amid rising foreign supply.


Key Measures

  • Tariff implications: 55% tariff on beef imports above country quota limits

  • A total global beef import quota of 2.7 million tonnes for 2026 (note China's approximate total global beef imports were 3.5 to 3.6 million tonnes in 2025)

  • Australia's country quota has been set at  205,000 tonnes for 2026, 209,000 tonnes for 2027 and 213,000 tonnes for 2028 

  • Duration: Measures will apply for three years from 1 January 2026, with quotas increasing gradually on an annual basis

  • Key affected markets: Australia, United States, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay


Broader Trade Environment

This action from China highlights how global trade turbulence has extended beyond US tariffs, with more countries using trade restrictions to protect domestic industries.


Why this matters for Queensland

China has been a key market for Queensland beef, with exports exceeding $4.4 billion in value and 305,000 tonnes in volume since 2022. The imposition of quotas could constrain market access, increasing uncertainty for exporters.