Source: Reuters
Australia has announced it will ease long-standing restrictions on U.S. beef imports after a scientific review confirmed that U.S. biosecurity measures sufficiently mitigate disease risks. The curbs, originally imposed in 2003 due to mad cow disease concerns, had limited U.S. beef access despite resumed imports in 2019. The updated rules now allow beef from cattle born in Canada or Mexico, if legally imported and slaughtered in the U.S.
The move, praised by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins as a win for President Trump, may help ease broader trade tensions, though Australia insists the decision was science-based. However, analysts say the policy shift is unlikely to boost U.S. beef sales in Australia, as American beef remains significantly more expensive. Australia, a major beef exporter to the U.S., aims to protect its disease-free status and industry competitiveness. Industry groups in Australia are urging an independent review to safeguard national biosecurity and market stability.