Beijing, November 25, 2025 – China has announced an extension of its ongoing investigation into beef imports, pushing the review period to January 26, 2026. This marks the second time Chinese authorities have prolonged the probe, granting global beef exporters additional time before potential trade restrictions could be implemented. The move comes amid slowing domestic demand and a growing supply surplus in China’s beef market.

The Ministry of Commerce cited the “complexity of the case” as the primary reason for the extension. Notably, the investigation does not target any specific country, but any potential trade measures could significantly impact major suppliers such as Argentina, Australia, and Brazil.

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Background: China’s Beef Import Investigation

China launched its beef import investigation in December 2024 amid concerns over the domestic beef industry facing a supply glut. The probe aims to evaluate whether imported beef is affecting local producers.

In August 2025, authorities extended the investigation by three months. The latest two-month extension is unusual in its brevity, suggesting that officials are still far from reaching a final decision, according to industry experts.

“The short extension indicates that officials are not as close to finalizing conclusions as some rumors have suggested,” said Even Rogers Pay, Director at Beijing-based Trivium China. “Additionally, with major holidays in December and a busy political schedule, extra time is likely needed to conclude the review.”

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Impact on Global Beef Suppliers

Should China implement trade restrictions following the investigation, countries like Argentina, Australia, and Brazil could face significant export challenges. These nations are some of the largest beef exporters to China, which remains the world’s largest market for beef imports and consumption.

Despite the uncertainty, this extension provides temporary relief for exporters, allowing continued trade without immediate restrictions while China evaluates its domestic market policies.

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Chinese Beef Market Trends

China’s beef market has experienced a mix of challenges and growth:

• Domestic beef prices have remained relatively steady at 25.6 yuan per kilogram, up from 23.7 yuan per kilogram during the same period last year, according to consultancy Mysteel.
• China imported a record 2.87 million metric tons of beef in 2024, with imports from January to October 2025 rising 2.8% year-on-year to 2.41 million tons.
• Policy support for the sector has increased in 2025, with the agriculture ministry highlighting that beef cattle farming has been profitable for three consecutive months.
• Recent efforts also focus on consolidating support for beef cattle while promoting rapid recovery in dairy cow production, signaling continued government commitment to the sector.

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Outlook: What This Means for Beef Trade

With the investigation extended into 2026, both domestic producers and international exporters now have time to adjust strategies. Analysts suggest that China’s authorities are likely balancing trade considerations with domestic market stability.

For global beef exporters, this delay offers an opportunity to maintain market presence and anticipate potential policy shifts once the investigation concludes.