U.S.-China Trade War Forces Beijing BBQ Joint to Switch from U.S. to Australian Beef

Home Plate BBQ, a popular American-style restaurant in Beijing, is dropping U.S. beef from its menu due to soaring tariffs tied to the U.S.-China trade war. Once a staple, U.S. brisket is being replaced by Australian beef as the 125% retaliatory tariffs, combined with a pre-existing 22% duty, have made American meat unaffordable for many restaurants.

The restaurant, which uses around 7 to 8 tonnes of brisket monthly, is now switching entirely to Australian M5 beef, praised by the staff for its comparable taste and quality. Operations director Charles de Pellette noted that while the transition is driven by price, customer feedback has remained positive.

Home Plate, co-founded by a Texan and operating three locations across China, is not alone. Other restaurants, even those specializing in American steak, are turning to Australian imports. A Beijing-based beef supplier revealed that the move is widespread, though preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitive trade climate.

U.S. beef prices had already climbed due to weather-driven shortages that reduced cattle herds to their lowest levels since the 1950s. Brisket prices surged nearly 50% between May 2024 and March 2025, then spiked further after the tariffs took effect.

Australian brisket, now about 40% cheaper, is filling the void. In addition to beef, Home Plate is also replacing its U.S. pork ribs with Canadian alternatives to manage costs while maintaining quality.

By May, diners at Home Plate will be enjoying smoked Australian ribs, brisket, and sausages prepared in true Southern BBQ fashion—slow-cooked and flavorful, just like in Texas. According to de Pellette, “Our customers are pretty happy with it.”