China lifts ban on Canadian beef after setting import quotas

China announced the lifting of the ban on Canada’s beef, in place since 2021, allowing exports from the country to resume immediately. The measure was officially communicated by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and is part of the new beef import quota regime.

The system sets an annual country-by-country cap and applies an additional 55% tariff on volumes exceeding the allocated quotas. The safeguard regime will remain in force until December 31, 2028. According to MOFCOM, the goal is to curb import growth that has affected domestic cattle producers in recent years.

Canada’s return expands the list of approved origins at a time of heightened scrutiny over external purchases by China.

Canada will sell under the “other countries” quota, which has an allocation of 172,000 tons for 2026.