Australia has officially lifted its long-standing biosecurity restrictions on American beef imports, in what is widely seen as a strategic move to gain leverage in ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government confirmed that the decision was conveyed to Washington late Wednesday night. The change follows scientific recommendations made after an 18-month review of the previous restrictions.
Biosecurity measures had long been a point of contention in the Australia-US trade relationship, with President Donald Trump repeatedly criticizing Australia’s refusal to accept American beef—especially after the US had imported $3 billion worth of Australian beef in the previous year alone.
“They won’t take any of our beef,” Mr Trump said earlier. “They don’t want it because they don’t want to affect their farmers. I don’t blame them—but we’re doing the same thing now.”
Although a total ban was lifted in 2019, technical requirements meant that no US beef was actually imported. The Australian Meat Industry Council clarified that while beef was technically allowed, the US had not met requirements to prove the cattle were born, raised, and slaughtered within the US. Instead, the US requested access for beef from cattle originating in Mexico or Canada, which Australia had not accepted until now.
The lifting of restrictions comes amid broader diplomatic developments, including confirmation that Australia recently sent an $800 million installment to the United States as part of the AUKUS submarine agreement. This agreement—currently under review by President Trump—involves Australia acquiring Virginia-class nuclear submarines to strengthen defense ties among the US, UK, and Australia.
Defence Minister Richard Marles’ office stated the payment is part of Australia’s commitment to contribute US$2 billion by the end of 2025 to help expand the US industrial base for submarine production.
Mr Albanese emphasized that this move is not only about trade but also about strengthening strategic alliances. “We have an agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom. This is about building capability—and building skills for our future,” he told ABC
