The head of the Trade Remedy and Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce responded to reporters' questions regarding beef safeguard measures

A reporter asked: Why did the Ministry of Commerce choose the form of "country quotas and additional tariffs beyond quotas" for implementing safeguard measures on imported beef, as announced on December 31, 2025?

Answer: According to the relevant provisions of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Safeguard Measures, the adoption of safeguard measures should be limited to the extent necessary to prevent and remedy serious damage and facilitate the adjustment of domestic industries. The purpose of implementing safeguard measures on imported beef is to help the domestic industry overcome the current difficulties, rather than restricting normal trade. The measures of "country quotas and additional tariffs beyond quotas" are moderately moderate, which not only relieve the domestic industry and provide space for its further recovery and development, but also take into account the reasonable demands of trading partners and avoid affecting normal trade as much as possible.

A reporter asked: How will the safeguard measures be specifically implemented?

Answer: The safeguard measures for imported beef will be implemented from January 1, 2026. From the date of implementation of the safeguard measures, if the import quantity does not reach the annual quota, the existing tariff rate will apply to the imported beef. From the third day after the import quantity reaches the annual quota, additional tariffs will be imposed on top of the existing applicable tariff rate. The unused quota from the previous year will not be carried over to the next year.

A reporter asked: How can we learn about the use of quotas during the implementation of safeguard measures?

Answer: The competent departments such as commerce and customs will release prompt information through relevant public channels when the import quantity reaches 50% and 80% of the annual quota for each country; when the annual quota for each country is reached, prompt information on increasing tariffs will be released.

Information source: website of the Ministry of Commerce