AN ANNOUNCEMENT by the US government that it would be removing tariffs on Australian agricultural goods, notably beef, has been welcomed as “a sensible step” by agricultural exporters.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday of last week reversing sweeping tariffs on hundreds of food items.
The exemptions would be activated in retrospect, meaning US importers would be refunded for duties previously paid.
Meat and Livestock Association (MLA) managing director Michael Crowley welcomed the news and reaffirmed the US as a valuable, long-term trading partner.
“MLA has an on the ground presence in the US and we look forward to the ongoing partnership in trade,” he said.
“So far in 2025, Australia has exported 370,357 tonnes of beef to the US, 17% more than the first 10 months of 2024."
Since tariffs came into effect, US demand for Australian beef had skyrocketed.
DCN previously reported that this was due to Australian exporters benefitting from the US imposing higher tariffs on beef from Brazil.
National Farmers Federation interim chief executive Su McCluskey also welcomed the removal of tariffs on Australian goods.
“The NFF has long championed free and fair trade, not just for agriculture but all industries, recognising its role in global economic growth, stability and food security,” Ms McCluskey said.
The US market has provided key trading opportunities for Australian exporters, especially beef, wine and lamb.
According to the NFF, the bilateral trade relationship is multifaceted, spanning beyond goods and services to deep investments that flow both ways.
“Farmers and Australia’s interests are best served by a free, fair and predictable global trading environment,” Ms McCluskey said.
The latest Trumpian executive order responded to concerns about grocery prices that have remained persistently high in the US. The reversal contrasted to earlier policies, where Mr Trump insisted import duties did not fuel inflations costs.
Earlier this year, Mr Trump up imposed 10% base tariffs on imports from every country, plus more specific duties that varied between nations.