Hold your nerve on tariffs – Joe Hockey’s message to meat
Australian red meat exporters must “hold their nerve” when it comes to recent US tariff announcements.
And US President Donald Trump is looking for a “trade”.
That’s according to the former US Ambassador and Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey.
Mr Hockey shared his insights into working with the US President to kick-off a day of trade and animal welfare discussion at the Meat Processing and Export Conference (MPEC) on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Hosted by the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), 350 MPEC delegates heard how Mr Trump views tariffs as a solution to America’s economic woes and he encouraged the red meat sector to take advantage of the lower Australian dollar, while focusing on what happens with China.
“Our 10 per cent, let’s take it and run with it for the moment,” he told the crowd.
“Let’s not be too loud about it. The Aussie dollar has fallen. In the case of beef producers, they need our beef. You know their herd is a mess at the moment. You all know that, so let’s just hold our nerve and work out what will get a win.”
Mr Hockey also said any businesses with financial exposure to the US are “negligent” and “operating in the dark” if they don’t know what’s happening on the ground in Washington.
He also warned the Australian sector to watch what the Trump administration does to help Australia’s red meat competitors in the US, not so much what the US does to Australian processors and exporters.
AMIC Chief Executive Tim Ryan said Mr Hockey’s insights into the Trump administration were invaluable for Australia’s red meat sector.
“AMIC remains committed to maintaining robust trade relations with the United States,” he said.
“We will continue to emphasise the mutual benefits and integral role Australian meat plays in complementing US domestic production, especially during current shortages.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jemma Harper
General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Australian Meat Industry Council
0429 040 128 / jharper@amic.org.au
