China Launches Safeguard Probe on Imported Beef

China launched a safeguard investigation on imported beef after receiving reports that recent increases in beef import volumes may be threatening the country’s domestic industry, according to an unofficial translation of a Ministry of Commerce notice.

The ministry said several Chinese animal husbandry organizations told it that beef imports increased “sharply” from 2019 through the first half of 2024, which has “seriously damaged” China’s beef sector. The investigation period is from Jan. 1, 2019, to June 30, 2024, and Beijing expects to complete its probe within eight months. Comments are due within 20 days of the Dec. 27 announcement.