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China pledges fair beef import ruling

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Any trade measures could hit suppliers like Brazil

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Investigation result expected later this year

By Ella Cao and Tom Polansek

BEIJING, April 1 (Reuters) - China pledged to deliver a

"fair and objective" ruling following a hearing in its ongoing

investigation into beef imports, a review that could lead to

higher tariffs or import limits if domestic producers are found

to be at risk.

Launched last year, the probe covers all imported beef

rather than any specific country and comes as slowing demand and

a domestic supply glut squeeze China's beef market - the world's

largest for imports and consumption.

Monday's hearing brought together around 180

representatives, including officials from major suppliers

Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia and the United States,

China's Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. Exporters,

trade associations, Chinese importers and domestic beef

producers, also attended, the ministry said.

China imported a record 2.87 million metric tons of beef in

2024, according to customs data, heightening concerns over

possible trade restrictions that could hit top suppliers.

U.S. Meat Export Federation spokesman Joe Schuele said U.S.

beef primarily served China's high-end food service and retail

sectors, and did not compete directly with domestic beef which

is often priced at lower levels.

"We don't feel that any restrictions on U.S. beef are going

to benefit the domestic industry," Schuele said.

A Brazilian beef consultant, speaking on condition of

anonymity, said Brazilian beef was price-competitive and

overlapped with segments of China's domestic market.

"Everyone here is worried about the outcome of this

investigation," said the consultant.

The industry's concerns have been amplified by recent

developments. Last month, Chinese customs temporarily suspended

beef imports from six companies in Brazil, Argentina and

Uruguay.

The Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries said

in March the companies had failed to meet Chinese requirements

for the registration of foreign establishments, but did not

elaborate.

Among the affected factories is one in Brazil's Goiás state

that is owned by meat packing giant JBS and is one of

the biggest beef export plants to China.

"Traders fear more suspensions could be looming," the

consultant said.

The meat investigation, which began on December 27, is

expected to last eight months but could be extended under

special circumstances.

Meanwhile, China has yet to renew export registrations for

U.S. beef facilities that expired on March 16, leading to

hesitation among traders to strike deals for American beef

produced after that date.

The U.S. beef industry is already navigating a 10% tariff

imposed as part of China's retaliatory duties on some $21

billion worth of American farm goods. Any additional trade

restrictions would further strain sales.

Brazil, Uruguay, the U.S. and Australia are among China's

major beef suppliers.