Australian farmers are braced for the potential impact of forthcoming US tariffs on $6.2 billion in meat exports, with concerns escalating amid a global trade war. The president of Cattle Australia, Chris Parker, has expressed deep concerns over the protectionist measures by the US president, which could impede international trade and compromise the hard-won market access Australia has secured around the globe. Despite closely monitoring the situation, uncertainty lingers, making it difficult to estimate the industry’s potential hit.

The vaccines meat exports to the US comprise nearly 30% of Australia’s total exports to the country, second only to gold. The Australian government is pressing its position in negotiations and ruling out retaliation that would increase prices for Australians. Experts suggest that a collective defense through the World Trade Organisation is the most practical approach to tackle these trade disruptions.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/14/australian-meat-could-be-next-on-the-menu-for-trumps-bonkers-tariffs