BEIJING -- 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 saw a sharp increase in the last five years, growing 106.28 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019.

The applicants assert that the sharp increase has significantly impacted China's domestic industry. The domestic industry has experienced substantial damage, and a causal relationship exists between the import volume increase and that substantial damage, they say.

Following legal procedures and World Trade Organization rules, investigatory authorities can initiate a safeguard investigation upon the application of a domestic industry if an increase in the import volume of a product causes or threatens to cause substantial damage to the domestic industry producing similar or directly competing products, a spokesperson for the ministry said on Friday.

Such moves aim to protect the legitimate rights and interests of domestic industries, the spokesperson noted.

In accordance with the law, Chinese investigatory authorities reviewed the application submitted by the domestic industry and determined that it meets the conditions for a case filing.

The spokesperson emphasized that the investigation does not target any specific countries or regions, nor does it differentiate products based on origin.

Normal trade will not be affected during the investigation period, the spokesperson said.

The investigatory authorities will conduct their work in accordance with the law, fully safeguard the rights of all interested parties, and make an objective and impartial ruling based on the results of their investigation.

China is willing to maintain communication with all parties, engage in friendly consultation, address mutual concerns, and work collaboratively to safeguard a healthy, stable international trade and economic environment, the spokesperson said.

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

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