Canberra says restrictions will likely be lifted following a ‘rigorous science and risk-based evaluation’.
Australia has introduced that it’s going to raise powerful restrictions on beef imports from the USA, eradicating measures singled out for criticism by US President Donald Trump.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins mentioned the federal government would take away the biosecurity restrictions after a “rigorous science and risk-based evaluation” discovered the dangers have been being managed on the US aspect.
“Australia stands for open and honest commerce – our cattle trade has considerably benefitted from this,” Collins mentioned in an announcement.
Australia, which has a number of the world’s hardest biosecurity measures, has till not accepted beef from cattle raised in Canada and Mexico however slaughtered within the US.
Canberra lifted a ban on beef from cows raised and slaughtered within the US, launched in response to an outbreak of mad cow illness, in 2019.
The transfer comes after Trump known as out Australia’s restrictions on US beef in his April 2 “Liberation Day” announcement of sweeping tariffs on dozens of nations.
“Australia bans – and so they’re fantastic individuals and fantastic every thing – however they ban American beef,” Trump mentioned.
“They received’t take any of our beef,” Trump added.
“They don’t need it as a result of they don’t need it to have an effect on their farmers and you recognize, I don’t blame them however we’re doing the identical factor proper now beginning at midnight tonight, I might say.”
Australia, which exports about 70 p.c of its beef, is among the many fundamental suppliers of pink meat to the US, however consumes little US beef.
Australia exported about 26,000 tonnes of beef and veal to the US within the first three weeks of July, in keeping with authorities statistics.
Meat & Livestock Australia, a producer-owned firm that helps the native beef trade, mentioned the modifications would have a minimal impact in the marketplace.
“The potential for US beef to be imported into Australia in giant volumes is minimal, given the excessive demand for beef within the US, the low US cattle herd, the power of the Australian greenback, our aggressive home provide, and most significantly Australians’ robust choice for high-quality, tasty and nutritious Australian beef,” the corporate mentioned.
“Actually, demand for Australian beef within the US continues to develop. In June 2025, exports to the US rose 24 p.c year-on-year, regardless of a ten p.c tariff launched in April.”
