China Investigates Beef Imports: Uruguay Optimistic

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China has launched an investigation into beef imports over the past five years in response to complaints from the Animal Agriculture Association and several industrial associations. These groups attribute their economic losses to a 106% increase in imports during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019. They claim the oversupply has reduced prices and severely impacted the domestic industry. The investigation, initially set to last eight months, could be extended if necessary.

Uruguay, represented by the Minister of Livestock, Fernando Mattos, has expressed confidence that the situation will not negatively affect its exports. In 2024, beef exports to China accounted for 31% of Uruguay’s total beef sales, valued at $622 million. Mattos met with Chinese Ambassador Huang Yazhong to discuss the issue and assured that Uruguay would provide technical information to demonstrate it is not responsible for the challenges faced by China’s domestic industry. He also highlighted Uruguay’s commitment to supporting China’s local livestock sector through live cattle exports, bovine genetics, and the gift of two bulls to President Xi Jinping in November 2023.

Brazil and Argentina, leading beef exporters to China, have also responded diplomatically. Both countries emphasized the importance of their exports in complementing China’s local production and reaffirmed their commitment to engaging with Beijing to minimize potential impacts.

China, the world’s largest beef importer and consumer, imported $14.2 billion worth of beef in 2023. Brazil led with 42% of the total value, followed by Argentina (15%), Australia (12%), and Uruguay (5%). This investigation underscores the growing tensions between China’s import policies and the interests of exporting countries in the region.

Main Source:

Gobierno uruguayo confía que investigación china no afecte importaciones de carne – La República

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