No tariffs in place: Australian red meat maintains presence in US market
14 March 2025
While speculation abounds about possible tariffs, Meat & Livestock Australia continues to support red meat exports to the United States.
As of writing, no sanctions have been placed on the trade of Australian red meat to the US, and any media commentary on this matter remains speculative.
Meat & Livestock Australia is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, including taking part in regular briefings.
We are also working closely with Cattle Australia, Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, Sheep Producers Australia, Goat Industry Council of Australia and the Australian Meat Industry Council as key producer and processor representative organisations for the supply chain.
The Australian red meat industry continues to maintain strong trade relations with the US, supported by existing agreements and regulatory frameworks.
In 2024, Australia exported 2.24 million tonnes of red meat to 102 markets, representing the largest volume of red meat ever exported. The United States is currently the number one destination for Australian beef, lamb and goatmeat. In 2024, we exported 394,716 tonnes of beef to the United States, 104,210 tonnes of sheepmeat and 22,559 tonnes of goatmeat.
MLA forecasts strong international demand for red meat exports in all our global markets in 2025, including the United States. Australian red meat exports are incredibly diversified across a range of markets. Demand for product is global which will allow our industry to respond to market volatility.
While there’s plenty of speculation about agricultural tariffs, it is important to note the significant contribution that Australian red meat makes to US food supply and security.
Over the past couple of years, Australian beef has helped fill supply gaps in the US caused by a prolonged drought, ensuring American families can continue enjoying red meat dishes at home and in restaurants.
MLA has a well-established presence in the US, with an office in Washington DC. MLA’s US team works closely with the team here in Australia to respond to local developments.
MLA's International Markets programs, including those in the United States, always aim to foster the prosperity of the Australian red meat industry.
They do this by growing demand for Australian products, by maintaining and improving access to global markets, by providing timely insights about global opportunities and by promoting Australian red meat’s superior points of difference.
While there is concern from all involved in red meat production about what may happen next, MLA will continue to closely monitor the situation as it develops and is ready to respond accordingly.
