On December 27, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China initiated an investigation to apply safeguard measures on Chinese imports of beef, commonly classified under the codes 02011000, 02012000, 02013000, 02021000, 02022000 and 0202300 of the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People’s Republic of China.

The investigation is requested by a group of Chinese beef associations[1], whose collective output represents 58% of the total output of China’s domestic industry. The group of associations claims that beef imports have increased suddenly and dramatically, causing serious injury to the Chinese beef industry. Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand and the United States are the six main sources of imports of the product in question[2], and will probably be affected if the measure is applied.

The investigation period is from January 1, 2019, to June 30, 2024, and parties interested in participating in the process have a period of 20 days (which ends on January 16, 2025)[3] to register and qualify for the process. The investigation is expected to last eight months and may be extended.[4] If applied, the measure could result in quantitative restrictions or an increase in the tariffs[5] applied to Chinese beef imports.

On the date the investigation began, the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC) and Foreign Affairs (MRE) published a Joint Note[6] stating that China is the main destination for Brazilian beef exports and that the Brazilian government was interested in following up the investigation.

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[1] China Animal Agriculture Association, Jilin Animal Agriculture Association, Liaoning Animal Agriculture Association, Guizhou Cattle and Sheep Industry Association, Sichuan Animal Agriculture Association, Hebei Animal Agriculture Association, Inner Mongolia Animal Agriculture Association, Shandong Animal Agriculture Association, Henan Beef Industry Association, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Animal Agriculture and Veterinary Organization

[2] According to information available at https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Safeguard%20Investigation%20on%20Imported%20Beef_Beijing_China%20-%20People%27s%20Republic%20of_CH2024-0179.pdf

[3] According to China’s communication to the WTO Committee on Safeguards, available at https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/G/SG/N6CHN3.pdf&Open=True

[4] Available at https://www.mofcom.gov.cn/zwgk/zcfb/art/2024/art_8387c10eb4ac462cbddc02e5bb259767.html

[5] Available at https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/delbrasomc/brasil-e-a-omc/acordos-sobre-antidumping-subsidios-e-salvaguardas

[6] Available at Investigação anunciada pelo Ministério do Comércio da China sobre as importações de carne bovina — Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária