China raises tariffs on Brazilian beef to 67% after quota is exhausted

Brazilian beef exports to China are facing sharply higher duties after Brazil exhausted its annual import quota. From October 1, 2026, shipments above the 1.106 mln ton quota are subject to an additional 55% levy, which together with the standard 12% import duty brings the total tariff burden to 67%.

The measure is particularly significant for Brazil, as China is its largest beef export market. Brazilian beef accounts for more than 40% of China’s imports, while Brazil shipped around 1.65 mln tons of fresh beef to China in 2025. This is well above the 2026 quota and makes additional shipments beyond the limit commercially unattractive.

The restriction is part of broader safeguard measures introduced by Beijing on beef imports. Earlier in 2026, China set country-specific quotas for major suppliers and imposed an additional 55% levy on volumes exceeding those limits, citing the need to protect its domestic livestock sector from rapidly rising imports.

Brazilian meat processors are already reducing shipments to China and looking for alternative markets. Industry association Abiec estimates that Brazil’s total beef exports could decline by around 10% y/y in 2026. Potential alternative destinations include the US, South Korea, Indonesia, other Asian markets and the Middle East.

China plans to raise Brazil’s quota to 1.128 mln tons in 2027 and 1.151 mln tons in 2028, but these volumes would still remain below recent shipment levels. As a result, diversifying export destinations and managing the Chinese quota more evenly throughout the year will become increasingly important for Brazil’s beef industry.

Tags: China, Brazil, Beef cattle