Thursday 3 April 2025
The Australian Meat Industry Council has moved to reassure red meat processors and exporters that trade will continue, following the announcement that the US will impose a base-level 10% tariff on all Australian imports.
AMIC understands from this morning’s announcement that the US will impose a baseline 10% tariff on all Australian exports to the US from 12.01am 5 April 2025 US time. Australian red meat, including beef, will continue to be able to be traded but will be subject to this new 10% import tax. Other countries will face this same baseline rate or be subject to a higher tariff.
“We’re obviously very disappointed by today’s announcement but at least we can now begin to work out our path forward with greater certainty,” AMIC CEO Tim Ryan said.
“This includes assessing the potential for further discussion with the US. Red meat is a very significant part of Australia’s export economy and will continue to be so.
“The fundamentals around the Australian meat export industry have not changed. We’ve got a great business model in Australia. We produce a high-quality product that the world wants, and that’s not going to change today.
“We enjoy a great breadth of market access. We export to over 100 countries and we’re not going to find ourselves in a position where meat is processed with nowhere to go.”
Mr Ryan said that while there is broad demand for Australian product, the US is still an important partner.
“The US is one of many markets Australia does business with, but clearly it is a major customer. We play an important role in the US meat market, and currently they’re experiencing a shortage, so Australian product will continue to have a role in supplementing US domestic production.”
Mr Ryan also moved to correct the record regarding US beef’s access to Australia, clarifying there is no ban on US beef exports to Australia.
“There is no ban on US beef to Australia. Australia has previously completed science-based biosecurity and food safety assessments that would allow the trade in US beef from cattle born and raised in the US. The US, however, chose to not progress with this pathway, and instead has asked for access to Australia for beef made in the US from cattle also born and raised in Mexico or Canada. This revised request is undergoing the normal Australian science-based assessment, as is our right under global trading rules to protect our biosecurity.”
AMIC is working through the tariff challenge in collaboration with the wider meat industry and Australian government representatives to manage the issue and look for opportunities to support the industry through this challenge.
Mr Ryan said the industry body is also focused on exploring and maintaining other markets.
“The situation regarding US tariffs is part of a wider set of priorities, which we will continue to balance in the interests of industry. We haven’t lost sight of the importance of broader market access and protecting what we already have.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jemma Harper
General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Australian Meat Industry Council
0429 040 128 / jharper@amic.org.au
