Australia removes restrictions on US beef imports following criticism from former President Trump.

Australia has officially announced the lifting of stringent restrictions on beef imports from the United States, a move that marks a significant shift in trade relations between the two nations. This decision comes after a comprehensive risk-based assessment indicated that the biosecurity measures in place in the U.S. are effectively managing potential disease risks.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins emphasized Australia’s commitment to fostering open and equitable trade, noting that the country’s cattle industry has substantially benefitted from such policies. Historically, Australia has enforced some of the toughest biosecurity regulations globally, which previously excluded beef from cattle raised in Canada and Mexico but slaughtered in the U.S.

The ban on U.S. beef, imposed in response to concerns from an outbreak of mad cow disease in 2019, is now lifted for cattle that are both raised and slaughtered within the United States, indicating a gradual ease in regulatory measures that have long shaped the beef market. The recent decision comes in the wake of comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously criticized these restrictions during his “Liberation Day” address, which unveiled sweeping tariff changes impacting multiple countries.

While Australia exports approximately 70 percent of its beef, its consumption of U.S. beef remains relatively low. Recent government statistics report that Australia exported an impressive 26,000 tonnes of beef and veal to the U.S. during the first three weeks of July alone, despite ongoing tariff pressures.

Meat & Livestock Australia, an organization dedicated to supporting the local beef industry, has stated that the impact of this policy change on the domestic market will likely be minimal. The organization highlighted that the likelihood of large-scale U.S. beef imports into Australia remains constrained by several factors, including robust domestic demand, a declining U.S. cattle herd, and Australians’ enduring preference for high-quality, locally produced beef. Notably, demand for Australian beef in the United States has surged, with a remarkable 24 percent year-on-year increase in exports reported for June 2025, despite the aforementioned tariffs.

This decision is seen as a step towards enhancing trade relations and provides Australian consumers with the assurance of maintaining high standards of food safety while also exploring new market opportunities.

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