Ministry of Commerce

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Tuesday a two-month extension of its ongoing safeguard investigation into beef imports, according to a statement posted on the ministry's website. A Chinese expert said that the extension was necessary to ensure thoroughness and compliance with WTO rules.

In line with the regulations on safeguard measures, the MOFCOM launched a safeguard investigation into imported beef on December 27, 2024, according to the MOFCOM. 

On August 6, 2025, the ministry decided to extend the investigation deadline to November 26, 2025.  

Given the complexity of the case, the MOFCOM has decided to further extend the deadline of the probe to January 26, 2026.

The MOFCOM launched the investigation on December 27, 2024, in response to an application submitted by the China Animal Agriculture Association and nine industrial associations from major beef-producing regions on behalf of the Chinese beef industry. The probe was expected to conclude within eight months, although it might be extended under special circumstances, the ministry said at that time.

"Given the large number of stakeholders from various countries and regions involved in this case, and the substantial volume of questionnaires and comments submitted, it is necessary to extend the investigation period to ensure all perspectives are adequately considered," Shi Xiaoli, a professor at the School of International Law, China University of Political Science and Law, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

"As a routine practice among WTO members, initiating a safeguard investigation reflects China's consistent prudence in both launching such probes and implementing measures," said Shi. The decision to extend the investigation falls within normal procedures and aligns with WTO regulations, she added.

A safeguard is a temporary import restriction (for example a quota or a tariff increase) that a country is allowed to impose on a product if imports of that product are increasing so as to cause, or threaten to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry that produces a similar or directly competitive product. WTO member countries must conduct an investigation before they can apply a safeguard measure, according to official website of the International Trade Administration.  

Extending timelines due to case complexity and required workload follows international norms, allowing comprehensive resolution of all concerns and opinions, Shi said. "This responsible approach ensures well-founded conclusions," she noted.

"The purpose of safeguard measures is to alleviate temporary difficulties faced by domestic industries and facilitate structural adjustments during the implementation period—hence they function as a 'safety valve'," Shi explained. The investigation was initiated upon requests from domestic industries, fully complying with Chinese law and WTO rules. 

She said that the investigation does not predetermine imposed measures, allowing trade activities to continue normally unless affirmative conclusions are reached and public interest conditions are met.

In March, the MOFCOM held a public hearing attended by about 180 representatives of 75 domestic and international stakeholders. The participants included government representatives, exporters, and trade associations from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, and the US, alongside Chinese importers, beef producers, cattle farms, and the original petitioners.



Global Times