Australia has lifted a 22-year restriction on US beef imports, reversing a ban imposed in 2003 over mad cow disease (BSE) concerns. The decision follows a scientific review endorsing upgraded U.S. safety protocols, including tamper-proof cattle tracking and enhanced origin verification. President Trump hailed the move as proof of “America’s safest beef,” while Agriculture Secretary Rollins called prior bans “absurd.” But opposition leader Of Australia David Littleproud questioned “suspicious timing,” citing recent U.S. tariffs on Australian goods. Cattle Australia demanded independent verification of safety claims. The 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, congratulated President Trump on social Media Plateform “X” by sharing Trump’s TruthSocial Social Media Post-
Despite the fanfare, trade impact is expected minimal because Australia exports approximately 400,000 tons of beef to the U.S. annually ($2.9B), while U.S. sales to Australia totalled just 269 tons in 2024. High U.S. prices and a weak Australian dollar further limit commercial prospects. The move precedes a planned meeting between PM Albanese and Trump, where steel tariffs remain unresolved.
