China extends investigation into beef imports for two more months

China has extended its investigation into beef imports for another two months, giving global exporters — including Brazil, its largest supplier — a longer temporary reprieve from possible trade restrictions, Reuters reported, citing official information from the Beijing government.

The investigation will now run until January 26, 2026, Chinese authorities said, citing “the complexity of the case.”

This is the second time the Chinese ministry has extended the investigation since the process began in December 2024.

In August 2025, China extended the review period by 3 months.

Any trade measure to curb imports would affect major suppliers such as Argentina, Australia, and Brazil, Reuters reported.

See below a historical overview of Brazilian beef exports to China from January 2022. The chart was prepared with DataLiner data:

Brazilian Beef Exports to China | Jan 2022 to Sep 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

The news agency text reproduces comments from analyst Even Rogers Pay, director at Trivium China, a consultancy specializing in monitoring Chinese government actions.

The expert commented on the postponement of the investigation, according to Reuters: “The short extension of only two months is unusual — it suggests that authorities are not as close to reaching a conclusion as some industry rumors suggested.”

She added: “The coming weeks are a busy political period in China, and many major beef-trading partners will also be celebrating holidays in December 2025, so it may be that everyone needs those extra weeks to finalize their conclusions.”

China imported a record 2.87 million tonnes of beef in 2024. Imports from January to October 2025 rose 2.8% year-on-year, to 2.41 million tonnes.

Source: Portal DBO

Sharing is caring!