“New Zealand exports are unlikely to face restraint under the arrangements.”McClay said the outcome reflected strong engagement between New Zealand and China throughout the investigation process. “I’ve been able to make the case to my Chinese counterparts on three occasions last year that New Zealand exporters are not harming the Chinese beef market and therefore should not be adversely affected by safeguard measures. “New Zealand beef exporters can have confidence in the Chinese market, where demand for high-quality, safe food products continues to grow,” McClay said. In the 12 months to November 2025, 19% of New Zealand’s beef exports by value, $961 million, went to China, representing approximately 4% of China’s total beef imports. Brazil is likely to be one of the hardest-hit countries, as China accounts for nearly half of its total beef exports.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 01, 2026 06:37 UTC