In a significant boost for Australian agriculture, US President Donald Trump has announced the removal of key tariffs on a range of Australian exports, with beef—one of the nation's most vital shipments—standing to benefit substantially.
A Win for Farmers and Trade Relations
The decision, revealed on Saturday morning Australian time, eliminates the baseline 10 per cent levy on Australian beef entering the United States. While Australia already enjoyed the lowest tariff rate among US trading partners, the complete removal of this duty is hailed as a major victory for the sector.
Cattle Australia chief executive Will Evans welcomed the move, stating, "As an incredibly important market for Australian beef, we greatly value our relationship with the American industry and consumers. The decision to remove tariffs will further strengthen that relationship."
Broader Tariff Cuts on Agricultural Imports
The executive order signed by President Trump extends beyond beef, also removing tariffs on a broad swath of commodities. The list includes coffee, tropical fruits, tea, fruit juice, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and certain fertilizers.
The White House action comes in direct response to pressure from American consumers grappling with high prices, particularly for beef, which have recently hit record levels. This decision follows framework agreements the US reached with several countries, including Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Argentina, designed to ease import levies on their agricultural products.
Australian Government Welcomes the Move
Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, was quick to applaud the tariff removal. "We welcome the removal of tariffs on Australia’s world-class agricultural exports, including beef," Farrell told 7NEWS.com.au.
He reinforced the Albanese government's position, stating, "Tariffs are an act of economic self-harm and ultimately hurt American consumers. We maintain our position that tariffs on any Australian products are unjustified, and continue to advocate for their removal."
The data underscores the importance of the US market for Australian producers. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, meat is Australia's second-largest export to America, trailing only non-monetary gold.
Research from the United States Studies Centre found that in 2024, the US accounted for a massive 30 per cent of Australia’s beef exports. Figures from Meat and Livestock Australia quantify this trade at roughly 394,000 tonnes of beef worth $4.16 billion.
Despite the previously imposed tariffs, trade has remained robust. Meat and Livestock Australia reported that exports since the start of the year have exceeded 370,000 tonnes, marking a 17 per cent increase compared to the first ten months of 2024.
