China suspends US beef imports: Australian farmers benefit

The de facto ban on US beef imports to China has opened up new opportunities for Australian producers and exporters. Australian beef exports have grown significantly over the past year, especially to key markets China and the US, AgroReview reports.

 

Australian beef exports rose 35% to A$10 billion ($6.6 billion) between January and July 2025, according to official government figures. Shipments to China rose 65% and the US by 48%. This reflects a reorientation of the Australian livestock industry, which is recovering from losses caused by Beijing's trade sanctions imposed five years ago during a period of diplomatic tension.

 

China, the world's largest importer of agricultural products, is using its position to influence the United States, suspending purchases, including soybeans, even despite the existing trade truce between the countries.

 

Since March 2025, China has refused to renew export licenses for hundreds of American meat processors, effectively blocking $1.55 billion worth of beef trade (as of 2024). Beijing has not officially acknowledged the decision, leaving the situation uncertain until the next round of trade talks between the countries, scheduled for November 10.

 

“It’s strange because neither the US government nor the Chinese government announced anything. We just woke up one day and realized we couldn’t export beef to China anymore,” said Brett Stewart, founder of Global AgriTrends.

 

Meanwhile, the global beef market is witnessing record highs. According to the FAO, the price index hit a record high in September due to strong demand in the US. Andrew Cox, general manager of international markets at Meat and Livestock Australia, explains that the main driver of demand for Australian products is a shortage of supply. Supplies from the US have decreased due to the recovery of livestock after the drought, which has created additional opportunities for Australian beef both in the US and in other markets where Australian products compete with American products.

 

Australian farmers currently have a competitive advantage in the US market and enjoy a lower tariff burden compared to Brazil, which has received an additional 50% tariff on exports to the US in addition to its current 26.4% tariff. As a result, Brazil is reorienting its supplies to China, while Australia exports to the US, mainly in the form of ground beef, at a 10% tariff.