WASHINGTON – Today, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary Brooke Rollins issued statements following the Australian Government’s decision to open its market to U.S. fresh and frozen beef. This notification marks an important moment for the U.S.-Australia trade relationship and a historic win for U.S. ranchers.
“For decades, Australia imposed unjustified barriers on U.S. beef, effectively barring U.S. market access,” said Ambassador Greer. “Yesterday’s decision by Australia marks a major milestone in lowering trade barriers and securing market access for U.S. farmers and ranchers. President Trump is taking decisive action to confront unfair trading practices, and Australia’s decision to unlock market access for U.S. beef is a direct result of his leadership. USTR will continue to engage with America’s trading partners to break down unfair trading practices and ensure that Americans are not fenced out of key markets.”
“American farmers and ranchers produce the safest, healthiest beef in the world. It’s absurd that non-scientific trade barriers prevented our beef from being sold to consumers in Australia for the last 20 years,” said Secretary Rollins. “Gone are the days of putting American farmers on the sidelines. This is yet another example of the kind of market access the President negotiates to bring America into a new golden age of prosperity, with American agriculture leading the way.”
Background
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), which entered into force on January 1, 2025. Over the past 20 years, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and U.S. Department of Agriculture have fought hard to ensure that U.S. ranchers are able to see the benefits of the beef market access negotiated by USTR.
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