Australia approves import of US beef

Australia announced on July 24 it would be lifting its restrictions on the import of US beef allowing fresh and frozen products to enter the country.

“The US Beef Imports Review has undergone a rigorous science and risk-based assessment over the past decade,” Australian Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said in a statement to Australian media. “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is satisfied the strengthened control measures put in place by the US effectively manage biosecurity risks.”

Australia previously allowed some US beef to enter its market since 2019. However, some beef products were banned due to concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) outbreaks. Australia previously scrutinized beef sourced from Canada or Mexico and then slaughtered in the United States.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) appreciated the policy change and explained its stance on the benefits to its US members.

“For 20 years, US beef was denied access to Australia while Australia exported $29 billion of beef to US consumers,” said Buck Wehrbein, president of NCBA.