China Beef Imports: NZ Exporters See Minimal Disruption

New Zealand’s beef exports to China are expected to remain largely unaffected by new safeguard measures implemented by the Chinese government, according to officials. The measures, intended to protect domestic farmers, will primarily impact countries like Brazil and Argentina.

New Zealand Beef Exports Protected

New Zealand exports are unlikely to face restraint under the new arrangements. Minister for Trade Phil McClay stated the outcome reflected strong engagement between New Zealand and China throughout the investigation process.

“It sees a better outcome than some countries who now face a reduction in access,” McClay said. He explained he made the case to his Chinese counterparts on three occasions last year, arguing that New Zealand exporters are not harming the Chinese beef market and therefore should not be adversely affected by safeguard measures.

According to McClay, New Zealand’s quota allocation means beef exports under the China-New Zealand free trade agreement are unaffected. The government worked to ensure the measures reflected the strength of the trade partnership between the two countries.

While acknowledging any new restriction is disappointing, McClay noted the quota is larger than recent export volumes, allowing exporters to continue trading without additional tariffs. China is New Zealand’s second-largest beef market, following the United States.

In the 12 months to November 2025, $961 million (19% by value) of New Zealand’s beef exports went to China, representing approximately 4% of China’s total beef imports. China imported a total of 2.6 million tonnes of beef through November of last year, according to customs data.

Brazil is anticipated to be significantly impacted, as China accounts for nearly half of its total beef exports. The country’s Association of Refrigerated Meat Packers estimates Brazil could lose up to US$3 billion ($5.21 billion) in revenue in 2026 as a result of the new policy.

“New Zealand beef exporters can have confidence in the Chinese market, where demand for high-quality, safe food products continues to grow,” McClay said.