137亿美元进口牛肉保障措施调查背后：中国养殖户期待保障措施尽快落地

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Commerce has reported a ruling on beef safeguard measures to the WTO, with domestic industries urging for prompt action to protect local producers from the impact of low-priced beef imports [1] Group 1: Background and Context - The investigation was initiated based on applications from the China Animal Agriculture Association and nine major beef-producing regional associations, with a case value of $13.7 billion, marking the largest import investigation in China to date [1] - Major beef import countries to China include Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States [1] Group 2: Industry Challenges - The domestic beef industry is facing severe challenges, with producers experiencing long-term price suppression due to an influx of low-priced imports, leading to widespread losses across the supply chain [2][3] - The processing sector is particularly affected, with each additional slaughter of a cow resulting in a loss of approximately 300 yuan, creating a vicious cycle of increased losses and reduced slaughter volumes [2] - The market is experiencing a significant contraction, with reports indicating that up to 50% of cows traded in certain markets are now breeding cows, a sharp increase from the normal turnover rate of about 20% [2] Group 3: Economic and Social Implications - The majority of beef producers in China are small-scale operators, and the ongoing price decline threatens their livelihoods, potentially leading to widespread economic distress among rural households [3] - The investigation is seen as necessary not only for commercial reasons but also for the social stability of rural communities dependent on beef production [3] Group 4: Strategic Responses - The safeguard measures are intended to provide a "window period" for the industry to adjust and upgrade, allowing for improvements in production efficiency and product quality [5] - There is a need for the industry to enhance processing techniques and develop quality grading standards to better align production with market demands, thereby increasing competitiveness [5][6] - The investigation is expected to stabilize beef prices, allowing processing companies to maintain operational viability and encouraging technological upgrades within the industry [6]