Australian chilled beef remains on Chinese retail shelves despite the 55% safeguard tariff imposed after the country’s quota was exhausted. Retailers such as Costco and Sam’s Club continue to offer the product, supported by consumers willing to pay a premium for its Australian origin.
According to Murray Davis, Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) regional manager for Greater China, chilled beef has proved more resilient than frozen beef, trade in which has been particularly affected. Nevertheless, he noted that export volumes were running 70–80% below year-earlier levels.
While this niche sustains sales, operators are accumulating beef in cold stores and bonded warehouses ahead of January 1, when shipments can begin entering under the 2027 quota. Davis anticipated that substantial volumes could enter the market then, including stored products and beef from cattle currently on feed.
