Australia has dropped restrictions on U.S. beef imports, following a 10-year review.
Under biosecurity laws, Australia has not allowed American companies to import beef due to concerns about viral diseases in cows.
Agriculture industry groups say they expect “minimal” impact, as almost all beef sold in Australia is produced domestically.
U.S. President Donald Trump cited Australia’s beef trade as a sticking point when he announced his ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.
US beef
Australia’s agriculture department has been assessing the risks of beef imports from the U.S over a decade.
The American beef trade is unique because cattle can be raised in Mexico and Canada, but then slaughtered and sold in the U.S.
Australia has previously flagged concerns about the ability to track cattle diseases, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or “mad cow disease”). This is a deadly brain disease in cows and can be fatal in humans.
Australia's rules
While beef raised and processed in the U.S. has been allowed since 2019, officials have required assurances that cattle haven’t moved across the Mexican or Canadian borders.
As a result, Australia has had a de facto ban on American beef imports.
Australia’s beef exports were worth $14 billion in 2024. China and the U.S. rank as the top two destinations for Australian beef.
Australia’s rules have caused trade tensions with the U.S.
During his ‘Liberation Day’ address, where he announced tariffs on almost every country, Trump made specific reference to Australia’s beef restrictions.
“[Australia] won’t take any of our beef, they don’t want it, they don’t want it to affect any of their farmers,” Trump said.
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Rule change
The Government has now lifted its restrictions on U.S. beef imports.
New controls have rolled out in the U.S. since late 2024, meaning beef can be tracked through the U.S. supply chain from Mexico and Canada.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the quality of U.S. imports have been through a “rigorous” assessment.
“ We are assured that the supply chain and the traceability and the safety of any food coming into Australia is safe,” Collins told reporters on Thursday.
Opposition
Nationals leader David Littleproud has urged the Government to release details about the additional protocols introduced in the U.S to improve cow traceability.
“We should not be taking risks that cannot be substantiated,” Littleproud said, referring to bovine diseases.
Littleproud has called for an independent review into Labor’s decision to ensure it was “predicated on science”. The Government has insisted the decision was science-based.
Reaction
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has hailed Australia’s removal of restrictions as a “major trade breakthrough”.
Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia Michael Crowley said the impact will be “minimal”.
“More than 99% of beef available in Australian supermarkets, pubs and restaurants is Australian beef,” he said.
The National Farmers Federation said the decision needed to be made independently of trade negotiations with the U.S.
