Australia Welcomes US Move to Remove Beef Tariffs

Australia has praised the United States' decision to scrap tariffs on beef imports, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong describing the move as a significant win for the country’s meat industry.

Speaking in an interview, Wong said the removal of US duties on more than 200 food products—including beef—would not only help Australian exporters but also provide relief for American consumers who have been grappling with rising grocery costs.

“We welcome the lifting of these tariffs. This is a good thing for Australian beef producers,” Wong said, noting that the decision reinforces the value of open markets. She added that accessible trade benefits producers and consumers in both countries.

Australia emerged as the largest supplier of red meat to the US in 2024, offering leaner and competitively priced cuts that complement domestic supply. The tariff removal is expected to strengthen Australia’s position in an already high-demand market.

However, Wong stopped short of predicting whether the US might ease the remaining 50% tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium—measures Canberra has repeatedly lobbied against. “We will continue advocating our position,” she said.

The tariff cuts come as part of a broader US push to reduce agricultural import taxes. Recent agreements with countries including Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador and Argentina aim to help stabilise food prices amid widespread voter concern over the cost of living. The US administration has also indicated an interest in lowering tariffs on coffee to encourage increased imports.

Despite messaging around rebuilding domestic manufacturing and keeping inflation in check, many American households continue to face higher costs for essentials, including groceries, housing and electricity.

Australian beef exports to the US surged to A$4 billion last year, driven partly by a decline in American beef production. Shortly after concerns were raised in Washington about trade imbalances, Australia eased its own restrictions on US beef imports. For decades, Australia has shipped between 150,000 and 400,000 tonnes of beef annually to the US, with fast-food chains forming a major share of demand.

As tariff barriers fall and trade momentum grows, Australian beef producers are positioned to strengthen their presence in one of the world’s most lucrative food markets.