The price of beef in China has trended downwards in recent years, with analysts blaming oversupply and a lack of demand as the world's second largest economy has slowed.

At the same time imports have surged, with China representing a hugely important market for countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Australia.

The commerce ministry said in December it had launched an investigation into imported beef at the request of representatives from its struggling domestic industry.

A sharp increase in beef imports in recent years "has had a significant adverse impact on the domestic industry", the commerce ministry said, quoting local associations.

The probe was meant to last eight months, but could be extended "under special circumstances", according to the initial announcement.

And on Wednesday, the ministry announced it was extending the probe.

"Due to the complexity of this case, the Ministry of Commerce has decided to extend the investigation period of this case to November 26, 2025," it said.

In a separate statement, a ministry spokesperson added that the investigation carried a large workload.

The case has "attracted widespread attention" with exporting countries, livestock farmers and industry associations submitting materials, the ministry said.

Investigators were reviewing opinions from all parties and "carefully assessing" whether the case meets the bar for "implementing safeguards", it said.