BEEF producers have little to fear from the lifting of trade restrictions on American beef according to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
Both organisations acknowledged the completion of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) review into the importation of beef from the United States and Canada, which, following an extensive review, has finalised health certification and import permit conditions.
As a result, both US and Canadian beef will be permitted entry into Australia.
Michael Crowley, managing director at MLA said it is important to note that US beef has technically had access to the Australian market since 2019 but has exported negligible volumes during that time.
“More than 99% of beef available in Australian supermarkets, pubs and restaurants is Australian beef,” Mr Crowley said.
“Australians can and should continue to enjoy it with confidence. It’s world-class, locally produced, and supports thousands of farming families and regional communities.
“Australia produces approximately three times more beef than needed to feed our population. Around 70% of our production is exported to global markets.”
NFF President, David Jochinke agreed with Mr Crowley that the impact of US and Canadian beef entering Australia is expected to be minimal.
He said there was little chance of US beef coming into Australia in large volumes given the high demand for beef in the US, the low US cattle herd, the strength of the Australian dollar, and our competitive domestic supply.
“In fact, demand for Australian beef in the US continues to grow. In June 2025, exports to the US rose 24% year-on-year, despite a 10% tariff introduced in April,” Mr Jochinke said.
“US consumers value the quality, taste and nutritional profile of Australian beef. Australian beef compliments the US production system and there remains strong demand for Australian beef in the US market.
“The American cattle herd is currently at its lowest point since 1951.”
Mr Jochinke said the American industry relies on imports to meet its own domestic demand.
Mr Crowley said Australia maintains one of the strictest biosecurity regimes in the world to protect our livestock industries, environment, and food safety.
“The Australian Government decision to permit beef imports from the United States and Canada follows a comprehensive risk assessment, ensuring that all biosecurity protocols and import conditions meet Australia’s high standards,” Mr Crowley said.
“The finalised federal government health certification and import permit conditions reflect stringent safeguards to prevent the introduction of exotic diseases and uphold the integrity of Australia’s biosecurity system.
“MLA supports science-based decision-making and the continued vigilance of our national biosecurity framework to protect the interests of Australian producers and consumers.”
Mr Jochinke said the US has had access to the Australian market since 2019, provided it could verify its beef came from cattle born, raised, and slaughtered in the US.
“The report released today is the result of a long-standing, science-based review by the Australian Government into the biosecurity risks posed by cattle raised in Canada and Mexico, but processed in and exported from the US,” he said.
“The NFF’s been clear that the revised request from the US needed to undergo the standard, science-based assessment to protect our biosecurity, and should be dealt with separate from any tariff negotiations. The Australian Government has assured industry that they have undertaken the standard, science-based review process to protect Australia’s biosecurity.
“Australia’s relationship with the US is deep and multi-faceted, underpinned by the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. Free and fair trade relies on the reciprocal recognition of trusted standards and processes between trading partners.”