Australia’s peak red meat bodies have called for calm in response to heightened speculation about possible US tariffs on all imports.
Any new US tariffs on Australian meat would be a concern but, in a highly diversified global export market, quality Australian meat remains in strong demand. Industry will assess and respond as necessary if any concrete measures are applied to Australian exports.
Red Meat Advisory Council Chair, John McKillop, says industry has well established frameworks for presenting a unified approach on behalf of the whole supply chain.
“Australia’s red meat peak industry bodies have been actively engaged and working with key government partners and political leaders to ensure that the sector’s views are known, and that industry is equipped to respond to any changes to our export market access. We would ask that all stakeholders remain calm and not jump at shadows but wait until announcements have been made.”
AMIC CEO, Tim Ryan, says while the US is a significant and highly valued trading partner for Australian meat, demand for Australian product remains strong both within the US and globally.
“Producers, processors and exporters should be comforted by the fact that Australian meat is world-renowned and widely sought after in the US and elsewhere. Australia is a valued, long-standing, reliable supplier to global customers.”
Tariffs will not change the underlying context and demand that underpins Australian trade to the US.