China restricts cattle genetic material imports to the top 10% of breeding bulls

In resuming imports, Beijing has prioritized the quality of breeding material, shifting its focus away from purchase volumes. Each incoming shipment is subject to a four-month review by an expert committee.

During the review, the committee excludes material that does not meet the established elite-quality requirements.

Canadian and Australian breeders have been the main beneficiaries of the new arrangements. They are already supplying China with genetic material from Wagyu and Angus cattle.

By the end of August, imports totaled just over 92,000 doses. Before the restrictions were introduced, shipments had reached 10 million doses.

The United Kingdom and the United States could soon join the list of supplier countries. Industry experts expect American suppliers to regain their dominant position in the Chinese market, as before the restrictions. The United States accounts for approximately 55% of annual global bull semen shipments.