Beijing Imposes 55 Percent Tariff on Australian Beef Imports

Australia’s trade and agriculture ministers have attacked China for disregarding their free trade deal as beef producers demand relief following import tariffs.

Australian beef is seen at a supermarket in Beijing, on May 12, 2020. Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images

Beijing has been urged to respect its free trade relationship with Australia after dishing up import tariffs that could cost the domestic beef sector $1 billion (US$667 million) a year.

Beef exporters have been floored after China unveiled 55 percent ‍tariffs on beef imports for nations including Australia when shipments ​exceed certain quotas.