3 April 2025
The disappointing decision by the United States to impose tariffs on Australian beef will hurt American consumers and cattle producers alike.
A baseline tariff of 10% on all Australian exports was announced by US President Donald Trump, and while Australian beef was mentioned, the Australian Government has confirmed there is no ban on our beef exports to the US.
Cattle Australia Chief Executive, Dr Chris Parker, said the logic for the new tariff was flawed and failed to recognise that the US has had access to the Australian market since 2019, provided it could demonstrate its beef came from cattle born, raised and slaughtered in the US.
“These are the same conditions that the US imposes on Australian exporters – reciprocal arrangements are already in place,” Dr Parker said. “The US industry has not been able to meet these standards and now wish to include beef from cattle born in Mexico and Canada.”
Dr Parker is in Washington this week representing the interests of Australian beef producers, emphasising that the Australian and American beef supply chains are complementary, with Australian exports benefitting both US consumers and cattle producers.
“US beef producers can’t meet American domestic demand and Australia is the preferred supplier to fill the shortfall of high-quality grassfed steaks,” Dr Parker said.
“Our lean beef exports are also crucial – it is blended with local fatty trim to create the hamburgers that every American knows and loves.
“Imposing tariffs on Australian beef disregards the mutually beneficial role of each country’s supply chain, and the effects will be most acutely felt by American consumers and industry.
“While this is an incredibly disappointing decision, Australian producers can be assured that Cattle Australia will continue to pursue open international trade and will fight for the removal of these new tariffs.”
The opening of international trading environments over recent decades has been fundamental to the success of the Australian beef industry, which now exports 75% of its product.
“While we value the US market and our relationship with its beef industry, Australian producers should take comfort from our market diversification and the overall global demand outlook which remains very strong for Australian beef.”
ENDS
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Stacey Wordsworth
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillagency.com.au
0438 394 371
Michael Thomson
michael.thomson@bluehillagency.com.au
0408 819 666