Australia Expands US Beef Access Amid Supply Constraints, US Exports Limited

Australia recently eased biosecurity restrictions to allow expanded access for U.S. beef imports, including cattle born in Canada or Mexico but processed in the U.S., based on strengthened traceability systems. Despite President Donald Trump's claims that the U.S. will sell "so much" beef to Australia, experts and traders highlight that supply shortages and record-high beef prices in the U.S. make significant exports unlikely. The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest in decades due to drought, feed shortages, and trade restrictions, resulting in high domestic demand and limited export capacity. Australia remains a major beef producer and exporter with lower prices, exporting nearly 400,000 metric tons of beef to the U.S., while U.S. exports to Australia remain minimal. While some consumers have shifted to chicken or pork, beef demand in the U.S. remains strong despite rising costs. Industry analysts agree that the recent Australian policy change will have a minimal impact on the local Australian meat market.