In a statement, the Brazilian government clarified, this Wednesday (31), that it was aware of the Chinese government’s decision to apply safeguards to its global beef imports and is following the issue closely. According to them, the measure, effective January 1st and expected to last three years, creates an initial annual quota of 1.1 million tons for Brazil. Exports that exceed the quota will pay a 55% surcharge.
“The Brazilian government has acted in a coordinated manner with the private sector and will continue to work with the Chinese government both bilaterally and within the scope of the WTO, with a view to mitigating the impact of the measure and defending the legitimate interests of workers and producers in the sector.”
Also in a note, they highlighted that safeguard measures are trade defense instruments provided for in World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements used mainly to deal with import outbreaks.
“The measure is not intended to combat unfair trade practices and is applied to imports of all origins.”
China accounted for 52% of the sector’s foreign sales in 2024. Brazil is the main origin of product imports in the Chinese market.
The Brazilian government concludes by saying that “over the last few years, the Brazilian livestock sector has contributed consistently and reliably to China’s food security, with sustainable and competitive products, subject to strict sanitary controls.”
