Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Australian beef could cause price increases for US consumers, but Australian farmers remain confident in their market diversification and export strength

US President Donald Trump recently announced new tariffs on Australian beef, singling out the industry during his Liberation Day speech. While the tariffs, set at 10%, are unlikely to significantly affect Australian consumers, they may lead to higher burger prices in the US, particularly for Big Mac fans.

Despite Trump’s suggestion that Australia might face a beef ban, there will be no such action. The Australian beef industry is largely unaffected in terms of supply but remains cautious about the short-term impact on exports.

Mark Thomas, a Western Australian beef farmer, assured that beef export prices remain strong, largely due to low US cattle numbers. “Even with the tariff, I don’t think it will drastically reduce the abattoir margins,” Thomas explained, adding that lean beef trim, commonly used in US hamburgers, makes up most of Australia’s beef exports.

Tony Hegarty, an experienced farmer from Hunter Valley, emphasized Australia’s ability to diversify its export markets, even recalling past challenges with shifting markets, like when the UK joined the EU in the 1970s.

While Australian beef farmers are hopeful, US consumers are likely to feel the brunt of the tariff increases, with US prices for beef expected to rise. John McKillop of the Red Meat Advisory Council warned that American hamburgers could become more expensive, estimating an additional $600 million cost for US customers annually due to the tariff.

The Australian Meat Industry Council remains optimistic, highlighting Australia’s continued role in supplementing US beef production due to ongoing shortages. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the tariff as “not the act of a friend” and pledged to support local industries, announcing $50 million in government funding for new export markets.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized the government for failing to secure an exemption, suggesting missed opportunities in leveraging strategic relations with the White House.