The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) in the United States argues that the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement unfairly benefits Australian beef producers, who have enjoyed open access to the US market for two decades. Meanwhile, fresh US beef remains banned in Australia due to what the NCBA calls excessive biosecurity barriers. In the last 20 years, while Australia exported beef products to the USA for US$ 28.7 billion, the USA sold just beef cooked products for US$ 31 million.
The group demands the US “reciprocate” if these restrictions persist and highlights Australia’s dominance in the American Wagyu segment, claiming it undermines domestic producers.
“Furthermore, USDA should initiate a full audit of Australian animal health standards for cattle and food safety standards for beef and beef products.”
“This should also take into account the rate of rejected shipments at U.S. customs over the past five years, and if necessary, increase inspection rates to 100 percent until further audits are conducted to confirm systemic problems have been resolved”, the NCBA said.
Cattle Australia counters that Australia’s science-based biosecurity system must remain non-negotiable. CEO Dr. Chris Parker emphasizes that the Australian Government sets import rules based on strict protocols, not trade pressures, and notes that the US consistently has a positive agricultural trade balance with Australia. Despite an agreement signed at Beef 2024 to collaborate on cattle health and sustainability, the two organizations remain sharply divided over market access.
The NCBA also seeks broader action against other countries: it recommends suspending or limiting beef imports from Brazil and Paraguay due to food safety and animal health concerns, and opposes greater access for Argentine beef. It urges President Trump to “hold Australia accountable,” suggesting potential volume-based safeguards on Australian beef imports and a full audit of Australian animal health standards to “level the playing field” for US cattle producers.
