Beef exempt from new US tariff

Australian beef will remain exempt from the new 15% baseline tariff announced by the United States government, while sheepmeat and goatmeat will face higher duties, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley said Australian beef will continue to enter the US with a 0% tariff, maintaining the conditions established in November 2025. However, tariffs on Australian sheepmeat and goatmeat will rise to 15%, up from 10%.

MLA stated it will work with industry and the Australian Government to manage the impact of the tariff increase. The US was Australia’s largest export market for beef, lamb and goatmeat in 2025, underscoring the importance of the bilateral trade relationship.

Exports to the US increased 14.8% year-on-year in 2025 to 453,304 metric tons, accounting for 29.3% of Australia’s total shipments. Overall, Australia’s red meat exports reached a record 1.54 million metric tons last year.