China imposes 55% additional tariff on Brazilian beef imports

China has begun applying an additional 55% tariff on beef imports from Brazil, effective October 1, after Brazil reached its annual export quota of 1.1 million metric tons. This surcharge is added to the standard 12% import tariff, bringing the total tax on Brazilian beef exceeding the quota to 67%.

Brazil is the world's largest beef exporter, and China is its primary destination. Between 2016 and 2025, Brazil exported 8.2 million tons of beef to China, valued at US$ 42.3 billion. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce previously announced this measure in January to protect its domestic livestock sector.

Industry representatives and the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec) are concerned about the impact on cash flow and export volumes. To mitigate the effects of the quota exhaustion, some meatpacking companies are considering accelerating slaughtering and shipments to ensure products arrive in China within the 2027 quota period.