Australia Opens Market to U.S. Beef in Landmark Trade Shift Backed by Trump

The Big Picture

WASHINGTON — In a major breakthrough for American agriculture, the Australian government has officially opened its market to U.S. fresh and frozen beef, ending a 20-year barrier to entry. United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary Brooke Rollins issued celebratory statements on July 24, 2025, calling the move a milestone in U.S.-Australia trade relations.

What They’re Saying

“For decades, Australia imposed unjustified barriers on U.S. beef, effectively barring U.S. market access,” said Ambassador Greer. “Yesterday’s decision by Australia marks a major milestone in lowering trade barriers and securing market access for U.S. farmers and ranchers. President Trump is taking decisive action to confront unfair trading practices, and Australia’s decision to unlock market access for U.S. beef is a direct result of his leadership.”

Greer added that the U.S. Trade Representative’s office “will continue to engage with America’s trading partners to break down unfair trading practices and ensure that Americans are not fenced out of key markets.”

Secretary Rollins echoed the sentiment, saying, “American farmers and ranchers produce the safest, healthiest beef in the world. It’s absurd that non-scientific trade barriers prevented our beef from being sold to consumers in Australia for the last 20 years.”

Trump Celebrates on Truth Social

President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to celebrate the win, writing:

Background

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), which officially entered into force on January 1, 2025. Over two decades, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have worked to secure fair trade terms and fight for access to key international markets on behalf of American farmers.

This newly opened Australian beef market is seen as a culmination of that effort, signaling a broader shift in global trade aligned with Trump-era economic policies.

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