China Bans Australian Beef

On May 11, China GAC updated The List of Imported Meat Products from Approved Countries or Regions. In this update, GAC announced the implementation of an immediate ban on the importation of beef from four of Australia's major exporters, which began on May 12. ^[1] 

According to the GAC List of Australian Meat Manufacturers Registered and Approved for Export to China ^[2], the four enterprises are:

• JBS Australia PTY LTD BEEF CITY

• JBS Australia PTY LTD DINMORE

• NORTHERN CO-OPERATIVE MEAT CO LTD

• KILCOY PASTORAL COMPANT LTD

Reason for the ban

In the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 12, an ABC Australia journalist asked about the reason for the ban on beef imports.

Zhao Lijian answered that “China Customs detected repeated violations of inspection and quarantine requirements agreed by Chinese and Australian authorities. To safeguard Chinese consumers' health and safety, China has decided to ban, effective immediately, beef imports from the four enterprises listed.^[3]”

Simon Birmingham, Trade Minister of Australia, said that he was concerned the suspension was due to“highly technical issues," some of which dated back more than a year. ^[4]