Does lifting restrictions on US beef imports pose a risk to Australians?

Cows are seen in a paddock outside of Currie on King Island, Tasmania. Australia is the second largest exporter of beef products in the world. While Australians are some of the highest per capita consumers of beef products, our relatively small population means we have a lot left to export. Credit: JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE

Australia has lifted its longstanding ban on US beef imports, with the government denying any influence from Donald Trump. Officials say the move follows updated biosecurity standards, but critics, including the National Party, are calling for an independent review. The decision has sparked concerns over hormone use, disease risk, and its impact on Australian cattle farmers. However, with US cattle stocks at historic lows and demand for Australian beef rising, experts say a market flood is unlikely.

Follow and Subscribe

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Listnr Download (10.24MB)

Download the SBS Audio appAvailable on iOS and Android

Published 30 July 2025 11:36am

By Sydney Lang

Presented by Vrishali Jain

Source: SBS

Share this with family and friends

Australia has lifted its longstanding ban on US beef imports, with the government denying any influence from Donald Trump. Officials say the move follows updated biosecurity standards, but critics, including the National Party, are calling for an independent review. The decision has sparked concerns over hormone use, disease risk, and its impact on Australian cattle farmers. However, with US cattle stocks at historic lows and demand for Australian beef rising, experts say a market flood is unlikely.

Find all our podcasts here at: SBS Hindi Podcast Collection. You can also tune in to SBS Hindi at 5 pm on SBS South Asian on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the SBS Audio app , or stream from our website.