context: The 2025 No.1 Document prioritises industry relief, proposing a set of stabilisation policies. Key recommendations from legislators include cost reduction measures, supply chain improvements and import adjustments. While some policy responses—such as a potential resumption of live cattle transport subsidies—are gaining traction, industry leaders stress the need for long-term risk management, quality upgrades and financial support to ensure resilience.
Wholesale beef price has dropped 25.7 percent y-o-y, reaching C¥57.32/kg on 10 March 2025, down from C¥77.15/kg in early 2023, writes Farmers Daily.
The decline marks a five-year low, driven by herd expansion, rising beef imports and dairy cattle culling, notes Zhang Li 张莉 NPC (National People’s Congress) representative and Anhui Livestock Technology Extension Station director.
Stabilising the industry requires coordinated supply chain efforts, Zhang argues. Seed technology innovation, better cost management and improved beef grading standards are critical to restoring profitability.
Zhang focused on transportation costs in 2024, highlighting that moving cattle from northeast China to Anhui costs C¥115–252 per head (C¥0.3–0.5/kg).
She proposes reinstating green transport subsidies for live cattle to ease financial burdens on farmers.
Excessive beef imports have worsened price pressure, argues Zan Linsen 昝林森 Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference member and Northwest A&F University professor.
The PRC imported 2.91 million tonnes of beef in 2024, 48.8 percent of total meat imports. Large-scale foreign producers have a cost advantage over Chinese farms, undermining domestic competitiveness.
He recommends adjusting import quotas and enforcing stricter quality standards to protect higher-value domestic beef.
Beyond short-term relief, risk mitigation is essential. Market monitoring, early-warning systems and data integration across agencies should be strengthened to stabilise industry expectations, advises Zan.
Financial support is also key, contends Chen Enming 陈恩明 NPC representative and Binzhou Agricultural Technology Promotion Centre senior engineer.
He proposes feed cost subsidies for corn silage, as many farms rely on cheaper alternatives due to high grain prices.
Extending subsidised livestock loans from one to three years to five years and introducing price insurance could enhance sector resilience.
While beef prices remain weak, local recoveries have emerged following the No.1 Document’s release, notes Zan.
The downturn presents an opportunity for structural upgrades, with calls for improved breeding programs, cost-efficient feeding methods and technology-driven productivity gains to drive long-term sustainability.