China has extended for three months an investigation period for beef imports, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday, giving global suppliers a breather from the prospect of trade curbs as domestic industry battles to reduce a supply glut.
However, trade measures to reduce imports would hit major suppliers such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil and the United States.
The investigation will now run until November 26, the ministry said, citing "the large volume of investigative work and the complexity of the case".
It also pledged to ensure a "healthy and stable" global trade environment by communicating with all parties.
"It's definitely a relief to beef exporters," said Even Rogers Pay, agriculture analyst at Trivium China.
"The extension buys Beijing a few months to see whether the domestic industry can regain profitability without safeguards, and hopefully to make progress on other issues with major beef exporters."
Although trade measures such as quota curbs were still not completely off the table, it was more likely something could be worked out quietly rather than being imposed, she added.
Authorities have ramped up support for the industry, including financial measures. In July, an agriculture ministry official said beef cattle farming had been "generally profitable" for three consecutive months.
China imported a record 2.87 million metric tons of beef in 2024, but imports of 1.3 million metric tons for the first half of 2025 were down 9.5% on the year.
