Mexican beef could come to Australia if US biosecurity restrictions are lifted

Aussie beef farmers fear Australian government plans to ease biosecurity restrictions on US beef could see compromised Mexican imports enter the country.

Cattle Australia has called on the federal government for more details over its move to lift biosecurity restrictions on US beef.

The Albanese government’s move to lift biosecurity restrictions on US beef in a bid to win a reprieve from tariffs has increased the imported disease risk for Queensland cattle producers, according to Katter’s Australia Party leader Robbie Katter.

Mr Katter, whose Traeger electorate is in prime central and northern Queensland cattle country, said the lifting of restrictions could potentially see Mexican beef – that does not have the same level of export scrutiny – find its way to Australia.

“The concern is Mexican beef coming into the US and coming here. It’s been identified as a big risk by industry reps I’ve talked to,” he said.

“We’ve benefited from not being impacted by large biosecurity risks over the years but free trade increases the stakes.

“It exposes us because it’s hard to see how that can control Mexican beef getting in which would mean a higher level of risk. Our ability to deal with this stuff if it does get in is pretty poor.”

Concern over Mexican beef coming into Australia.

The US has technically had beef access into Australia since 2019, but the announcement on Thursday removes a key impediment – it will allow for expanded access to include beef sourced from cattle born in Canada or Mexico and which was legally imported and slaughtered in the US.

The Albanese government hopes that lifting the biosecurity restrictions will remove one of the key justifications employed by the US for the imposition of tariffs on Australia.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said that the government would “never compromise on biosecurity” and that a beef imports review had “undergone a rigorous science and risk-based assessment over the past decade.”

“The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is satisfied the strengthened control measures put in place by the US effectively manage biosecurity risks,” Ms Collins said.

“Australia stands for open and fair trade – our cattle industry has significantly benefited from this.”

Beef exports have increased by 55 per cent since Labor came to government, including to Australia’s largest market in the US and second largest in China.

Unveiling his April 2 Liberation Day tariffs, Donald Trump attacked Australia and specifically referenced its treatment of US beef and put a 10 per cent tariff on Australian beef.

Cattle Australia chief executive Will Evans.

Cattle Australia chief executive Will Evans said biosecurity assessments must be based on the best available scientific evidence.

“We will be taking the time to read through the report in detail and ensure it aligns with our long held position that any imports of beef from the US must align and be equivalent with the conditions that the US places on Australian beef imports,” he said.

“The finalisation of the risk assessment process for the US application to sell beef to Australia and the announcement by the government without providing industry with the full details is a little disappointing.

“This science-based process has been, and always should be, conducted completely independently of any international trade negotiations.”

Mr Evans said Australia’s beef industry was self-sufficient in beef production.

“Imports of US beef are unlikely to have any effect on the market here and in fact the US cannot current meet its own needs, with Australia exporting almost 400,000 tonnes of beef to the US in 2024,” he said.

MLA managing director Michael Crowley.

Managing director at Meat & Livestock Australia Michael Crowley said the importation of US beef will have minimal market impact.

“It is unlikely there will be an adverse effect on Australian cattle producers,” he said.

“The potential for US beef to be imported into Australia in large volumes is minimal, given the high demand for beef in the US, the low US cattle herd, the strength of the Australian dollar, our competitive domestic supply, and most importantly Australians’ strong preference for high-quality, tasty and nutritious Australian beef.

Mr Crowley said demand for Australian beef in the US continues to grow.

“In June 2025, exports to the US rose 24 per cent year-on-year, despite a 10 per cent tariff introduced in April. US consumers value the quality, taste and nutritional profile of Australian beef. Australian beef compliments the US production system and there remains strong demand for Australian beef in the US market.”

Originally published as Mexican beef could come to Australia if US biosecurity restrictions are lifted