Donald Trump tariff hikes to hit some Aussie meat exports
- Feb 23
- 1 min read
Australia’s red meat industry is bracing for impact after Donald Trump flagged higher import tariffs.
Trump plans to lift the tariff rate from 10 to 15 per cent. The increase is expected to affect Australian lamb, mutton and goat meat exports to the United States. Australian beef, however, will remain exempt after a policy reversal last year.
Meat & Livestock Australia managing director Michael Crowley said the organisation is working closely with industry and government to manage the change. He stressed the US was Australia’s top export market for beef, lamb and goat meat in 2025, underlining the importance of the trade relationship.
Trade Minister Don Farrell is travelling to the US this week and is pushing for all tariffs to be scrapped. He said Australia had already secured success with beef and hopes other sectors can also win exemptions.
Trump’s latest announcement follows a US Supreme Court ruling that struck down parts of his earlier tariff agenda. Despite that, he has signalled plans to keep using tariffs as a key economic tool.
Australian farmers say the uncertainty is unsettling. NSW farmer and butcher Bianca Tarrant said sudden policy shifts overseas make long-term planning harder for producers, who invest months or years into bringing food to market.
More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.
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