Beef imports to China are likely to double by 2018, Rabobank Group said in a report on Wednesday.

Pan Chenjun, a senior analyst at the bank, said domestic beef output is declining at the same time as there's a growing demand for high-protein food in China.

"The domestic beef industry is lagging behind all major beef-producing countries in terms of breeding, productivity, farm management, grassland and feed resources and other key aspects," said Pan. "In other words, China will still need to rely on beef imports."