Sydney: Australia has cautiously welcomed the United States’ decision to roll back tariffs on over 200 food products, including beef a move hailed by Foreign Minister Penny Wong as “a good thing” for Australian beef producers. Wong said that removing the duties would strengthen market access and benefit both Australian exporters and U.S. consumers, who have been feeling the pinch of rising grocery prices.
In 2024, Australia exported over A$4 billion worth of red meat to the U.S., making it the largest shipper of lean beef cuts a segment that complements U.S. demand. The Foreign Minister reiterated Australia’s belief in open markets and economic reciprocity, calling for continued cooperation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while welcoming the change, stressed that his government would persist in its push for “genuine reciprocal tariffs” and argued that these should ideally be reduced to zero. Wong, for her part, declined to say whether Canberra now expects Trump to unwind the 50% tariffs currently imposed on Australian steel and aluminium, but affirmed that Australia would “keep advocating our position.”
Despite the optimism, Canberra remains pragmatic. Wong acknowledged the rollback as positive, but cautioned that this is one step in a larger trade negotiation framework.