More Australian Beef Plants Approved for China: Key Gain Is Prime Cuts and Chilled Beef Access, Not Volume

Summary

Australia's beef export capacity to China has expanded further, with new approvals given to Queensland's Nolan Meats (45) and South Australia's Thomas Foods International (8883). Some plants have been authorised to export chilled beef. China maintains an annual quota of 205,000 tonnes for Australian beef, of which 51.3% had been utilised by the end of March.

Usage rates among other exporting countries are comparatively low.

Commentary

The expansion of approved Australian beef plants and the greenlight for chilled exports underscore China's demand for premium cuts. However, Australia has already used 51% of its quota; if it reaches the cap early, the 55% tariff would sharply curtail its exports to China. In contrast, New Zealand enjoys zero tariff and a quota utilisation rate of just 14%.

This presents an opportunity for NZ small and medium-sized enterprises to focus on chilled and high-value cuts, capitalise on the narrowing price gap with Australian beef, and expand direct sales channels. Australia's quota constraint could serve as a catalyst for NZ beef to move up the value chain.

Keywords: Australian beef, approved plants for China, chilled beef, quota, tariff, plant list, Nolan Meats, Thomas Foods International

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

澳大利亚牛肉输华工厂再扩容，新增包括昆士兰Nolan Meats(45)、南澳Thomas Foods International(8883)等，部分获批出口冰鲜牛肉。中国对澳牛肉设20.5万吨年度配额，截至3月底已用51.3%，其他出口国使用比例较低。

Commentary in Chinese | 评论

澳大利亚牛肉输华工厂扩容，并获批冰鲜牛肉，指向中国对优质部位的需求。但澳洲配额已用51%，若提前触顶，55%关税将使其对华出口锐减。反观新西兰，凭借零关税及配额使用率仅14%，NZ中小企业可抓住窗口期，主攻冰鲜和高价部位，并与澳洲价差缩小时机，扩大直销渠道。

澳洲瓶颈或成NZ牛肉升级契机。

关键词: 澳大利亚牛肉, 输华工厂, 冰鲜牛肉, 配额, 关税, 工厂名单, Nolan Meats, Thomas Foods International

Source: Sina