Australia Lifts 20-Year U.S. Beef Import Ban, Expands Market Access

Australia has lifted restrictions on U.S. beef imports, a move hailed as a major trade breakthrough by President Donald Trump’s administration. After a rigorous, science-based assessment lasting about five years, Australia's Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed that the decision was made to ensure biosecurity while opening the market for safer, traceable American beef. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins praised the removal of what she called 'non-scientific trade barriers' that had restricted U.S. beef sales to Australia for two decades. The lifting of restrictions follows enhanced U.S. biosecurity controls and improved cattle traceability across North America. President Trump’s administration views this as a significant victory and a step toward a new era of prosperity led by American agriculture. The Australian government emphasized the decision was grounded in science, marking a shift from previous policies aimed at protecting against mad cow disease risks.