Decades In the Making: U.S. beef imports can officially be sent to Australia starting today

U.S. beef producers can begin sending fresh and frozen beef to Australia starting today.

USDA confirmed the agreement last week. NCBA says it is a long time coming, noting U.S. beef producers have been locked out of the Australian market for 20 years. During the same time, officials say producers there have sent around $29 billion worth of beef onto U.S. shores.

However, down under, cattle groups say they are not worried. Executives at Cattle Australia say their domestic beef prices are lower than in the United States, largely because their herd is bigger.

Related Stories
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses how tensions in the Middle East are impacting producer’s spring planting decisions.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and the potential impact on agriculture as farmers navigate ongoing global uncertainty.
Strong exports support ethanol margins and corn demand.
Export competition remains heavy despite solid trade.
Strong exports support cattle and hog market fundamentals.
Watch China’s demand signals for export direction.
Shaun Haney joined RFD News to discuss the potential impact of the Trump-Xi summit uncertainty, ongoing agricultural trade talks, and why geopolitical developments could carry important implications for farmers and global commodity markets.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

AFBF Economist Dr. Faith Parum break down new survey findings on fertilizer affordability and producer sentiment heading into the 2026 growing season.
Sen. Roger Marshall joined us to discuss rising input costs, farm support efforts, and legislation aimed at strengthening domestic fertilizer supply.
Charly Cummings with Superior Livestock Auction joined us to discuss today’s cattle offering, market demand, and what producers should watch as they plan upcoming sales.
David Gruchot with USDA APHIS joined us to discuss the growing threat of invasive pests and the steps individuals can take to help protect U.S. agriculture.
ASFMRA’s Shawn Wood joins us to discuss farmland market trends in Arizona and the key factors shaping land values and water-driven decision-making.
March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.