1 Apr 2025
Australia’s peak red meat bodies have called for calm in response to heightened speculation about possible US tariffs on all imports.
Any new US tariffs on Australian meat would be a concern but, in a highly diversified global export market, quality Australian meat remains in strong demand. Industry will assess and respond as necessary if any concrete measures are applied to Australian exports.
Red Meat Advisory Council Chair, John McKillop, says industry has well established frameworks for presenting a unified approach on behalf of the whole supply chain.
“Australia’s red meat peak industry bodies have been actively engaged and working with key government partners and political leaders to ensure that the sector’s views are known, and that industry is equipped to respond to any changes to our export market access. We would ask that all stakeholders remain calm and not jump at shadows but wait until announcements have been made.”
AMIC CEO, Tim Ryan, says while the US is a significant and highly valued trading partner for Australian meat, demand for Australian product remains strong both within the US and globally.
“Producers, processors and exporters should be comforted by the fact that Australian meat is world-renowned and widely sought after in the US and elsewhere. Australia is a valued, long-standing, reliable supplier to global customers."
“Australian meat, particularly lean trim, is a significant input into US burger production and is a reliable, safe protein for US consumers. Seasonal conditions, topography and climate vary between our two countries, underpinning differences in meat production systems and enabling Australia to complement seasonal and cyclical gaps in US supply.”
“With strong demand in the US and globally for Australian meat, the American people will be the ones to wear the cost of any tariffs applied to our exports.”
Tariffs will not change the underlying context and demand that underpins Australian trade to the US.
“The global demand for high-quality Australian red meat continues to grow, and our supply chain is well-positioned to respond to shifts in the international trade landscape. The past five years have been a case study in how Australian exporters have demonstrated their ability to manage risk and navigate change to world trade, security and consumer habits.”
Cattle Australia Chair, Garry Edwards, says Australian beef exports play a crucial role in complimenting American shortfalls in both high-quality cuts and hamburger beef.
“Australia is the United States’ preferred supplier of high-quality grassfed steaks and their demand for this product is expected to continue, given seasonal constraints of US supply,” Mr Edwards said.
“And without Australian lean beef blended to local fatty trim, the US would need to use higher value cuts in their burgers and miss out on valuable export opportunities.
“It is important that the mutually beneficial role of each country’s supply chain is recognised in these ongoing discussions.”
Sheep Producers Australia CEO, Bonnie Skinner, says high quality Australian lamb is valued in global markets.
“Lamb is synonymous with Australia - and for good reason. Our producers are the backbone of a supply chain which delivers high quality sheep meat products throughout the world, including to the US."
About: Members of the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) include the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA), Cattle Australia (CA), Sheep Producers Australia (SPA), the Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA), and the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council (ALEC).
Media contact:
Jemma Harper
General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Australian Meat Industry Council
m 0429 040 128
Or,
Jack Johnston
Corporate Affairs and Media Manager, MLA
m 0407 282 971