Summary
Yu Lu, vice-chair of the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce, met a New Zealand Meat Industry Association (MIA) delegation led by independent chair Nathan Guy and chief executive Nick Beeby in Beijing on 2 November 2026. The two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in international meat trade and held in-depth discussions on sustainable production of New Zealand beef and lamb,
the bilateral meat trade situation and practical agricultural and food trade co-operation. Representatives from member companies including COFCO Joycome Foods and Beijing Hongrui International Trade, as well as staff from the chamber's meat and aquatic products department, attended the meeting.
Commentary
The MIA visit comes as the global red meat trade undergoes a deep realignment. China is New Zealand's largest export market for beef and lamb, accounting for about 40 percent of New Zealand's total exports in 2025, but import growth has slowed amid recovering domestic production and competition from South America. The MIA is using the trip to promote its sustainable production systems and shore up a premium market position.
For smaller New Zealand exporters, rising Chinese demand for grass-fed, low-residue and animal-welfare-certified products opens room for differentiated exports. But Chinese processors such as COFCO Joycome are strengthening supply chain integration, and future competition will hinge more on brand trust and channel depth. Tariffs on beef and lamb have fallen to zero under the upgraded China-New Zealand free trade agreement, yet non-tariff barriers such as inspection and quarantine and sustainability standards could become new thresholds.
Exporters should engage Chinese importers early and take part in mutual recognition of industry standards.
Keywords: Meat Industry Association, China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce, meat trade, beef and lamb, sustainable production, agricultural and food trade, Yu Lu, Nathan Guy, Nick Beeby
AI illustration on MiDeer Observer
Source: China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products
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