Some praised the move, while others say they have beef with arrangements.
The global tariffs of the Trump administration’s “liberation day” sent shivers through the collective thorns of Australian stakeholders and political leaders.
This policy establishes a 10% baseline tariff on all imports entering the US, with some countries surrounded by higher tariffs rather than Asia in Asia.
The White House fact sheet points out that mutual tariffs target not only formal tariffs set by partner states, but also “non-tariff barriers,” including regulations and policies that “are intended to limit import/export volumes and protect domestic industries.”
Australia emerged almost unharmed by the US slap 10% of its baseline tariff on exports, but its beef industry was mentioned by the US president.
“Australians… they’re amazing people, they’re all great, but they’re banning American beef,” Trump told reporters on March 2.
In 2003, Australia shut down US beef imports amid fears of bovine sporotype encephalopathy (known as mad cow disease).
Related Stories
Currently, US beef is not prevented from entering the country, but is subject to evaluation.
President Donald Trump maintains a copy of the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report as he speaks at the “American Wealthy Again” trade announcement event at Rose Garden held at the White House on April 2, 2025. ChipSomodevilla/Getty Images
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says “it’s not a friend’s act.”
In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said tariffs were against relations between the two countries.
“President Trump mentioned mutual tariffs. Mutual tariffs would be zero instead of 10%,” he argued.
“The administration’s tariffs are unfounded and opposed to the basis of our partnership.
“This is not a friend’s act.”
Albanese said tariffs will increase global economic uncertainty and boost US costs.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will address the media on March 28, 2025 at a parliamentary home in Canberra, Australia. Hilary Warduff/Getty Images
“The existing free trade agreements with the US include a dispute resolution mechanism,” Albanese said.
The Prime Minister has announced a $50 million fund to help agricultural exporters find new markets.
“We will establish a new economic resilience program through the National Reconstruction Fund, which will provide businesses with $1 billion in zero loans to take advantage of new export opportunities,” Albanese said.
“Just as we are already encouraging more people to buy Australians, our labour government will also buy Australians.”
Australian beef is a Canadian-born beef, says Mexicans are the problem
Australian cows were highlighted by Grazier and exports to the US were not prohibited
But Australia’s Australia CEO Dr Chris Parker said the new tariff logic was flawed and the US had failed to recognize that it had access to the Australian market since 2019.
California ranchers will walk through herds of beef beef on February 3, 2014 at a five-generation family-run farm located outside of Delano, California. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
“These are the same conditions that the US places on Australian exporters, and the re-office arrangement is already in place,” Parker said.
“The US industry has not been able to meet these standards and now wants to include beef beef born in Mexico and Canada.
“However, the US is also seeking access to Australia for beef from beef raised in Mexico or Canada and processed and exported from the US.
The American Beef Association says Australia is protected by “unscientific barriers”
In the US, Ethan Lane, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Beef Association (NCBA), praised Trump for supporting American producers.
“President Trump is taking action to address the numerous trade barriers that prevent overseas consumers from enjoying high quality, healthy American beef.”
Lane said the difficulties American beef encounters are due to “unscientific barriers” despite the US purchasing about US$29 billion worth of beef from Australia.
The Meat Industry Council believes it has not had a major impact on Australia.
Tim Ryan, CEO of Australia’s Meat Industry Council, said beef producers played a key role in feeding America and there was no immediate change.
“As Australia’s global demand for high-quality red meat continues to grow, supply chains are well positioned to accommodate changing international trade environments,” he said.
Australia’s opposition leaders say time to “negotiate hard”
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said it was time to “negotiate hard.”
“The US needs Australian beef. We are great producers and we have not only found an export market. They cannot produce enough beef to meet domestic consumption,” Dutton said at 2GB.
“That’s why we say we need to approach it wisely, but here in Australia we need to have a position where the president and the Americans take seriously.”
Gerald Renic, the first party leader of people
The first party of new people said it was important for Australia to develop its own industry from the Trump administration.
“Australia needs to focus on their own issues and rebuild their own industrial bases,” former liberal senator Gerald Rennick told the Epoch Times.
“We need to adopt a similar policy and rebuild our own manufacturing base.”
Trade Kevin Hogan’s Shadow Spokesman
Shadow spokesman Kevin Hogan for trade and tourism said Australia would not compromise safely to import freely while there are concerns about the disease of crazy cows.
“This is a biosecurity issue,” he said. “If you get sick here, it could wipe out our industry. Many countries do it for us. Biosecurity, it’s very important.”
It has been more than 20 years since the US reported a case of MAD cow disease.
Adam Band, leader of the Greens
As the leader of Australia’s left and right Green Party, Adam Band did not directly comment on tariffs or the beef industry.
He instead urged Australia to distance himself from its biggest allies.
“Forget Trump’s ‘Day of Liberation’. Today is supposed to be Australia’s liberation day. When we finally release ourselves from getting too close to Trump,” he writes to X.
“Trump is dangerous. It’s time for workers and liberals to act. Cancel Orcus and set up their own independent foreign policy.”
Nationals Leader David Little Proud
Nationals leader David Little Proud supported the path to negotiating a path to get out of 10%.
“We should be able to take on a leadership role and be able to convince us to understand that rules-based trade orders are useful for the US and that they have served Australia.
“The last time he did this, Australian commodity prices rose because what the world did is that they traded in the US, especially in the produce, and his farmers hurt them.”
