China initiated a safeguard investigation into imported beef on Friday, according to the country's Ministry of Commerce.

The investigation was launched in response to an application submitted by the China Animal Agriculture Association and nine industry associations from major beef-producing regions on behalf of the domestic beef industry, the ministry said in a statement.

The application claims that the import volume of the product under investigation increased sharply in the past five years, with a growth of 106.28 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019.

The probe will examine imported meat of bovine animals from Jan. 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024.

It is expected to conclude within eight months, although it may be extended under special circumstances.