Hancock Agriculture boss Adam Giles praises actions of US President Donald Trump

The head of a prominent Australian beef company has praised US policies and is calling for our government to follow suit to lower costs.

The chief executive of one of the nation’s biggest beef producers has described opposition to new US tariffs on Australian imports as “whinging and moaning” from “a petulant child”.

Adam Giles — former Northern Territory chief minister and now chief executive of Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Agriculture and S Kidman and Co — made the comments in a post on LinkedIn on Thursday morning, in the wake of fresh tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump.

The tariffs, which target a range of imported goods including Australian beef, were announced in Washington DC on Thursday. Industry leaders across the red meat sector have expressed frustration at Australia’s inclusion, warning of significant consequences for producers and exporters. One leading industry group estimates the move will cost US consumers around $600 million annually.

In his LinkedIn post, Mr Giles praised President Trump for “standing up for (America’s) own manufacturing industry”, and appeared to criticise Australian industry figures who opposed the tariffs.

He also used the post to call for lower domestic energy costs as a means of reducing beef production costs, and advocated for a new trade agreement with Europe to expand market access.

Ms Rinehart and Mr Giles are supporters of Trump policies and travelled to the US this year for the inauguration of the re-elected president.

Today, Mr Giles said it was great to see the US government standing up for its own manufacturing industry.

“Instead we (Australia) implement electricity policy that drives up costs of operations and make ourselves uncompetitive internationally, then close down our industries,” Mr Giles said.

“Rather than whine we need cheaper electricity through cheaper gas, getting out of the Paris agreement, scaling back net zero targets and fighting for manufacturing in Australia.”

Adam Giles - Hancock Agriculture CEO

Mr Giles also argued energy prices would lower beef sector’s costs.

“Cutting gas and electricity prices will bring down our cost of beef production and make us more competitive to the world and open up new markets, potentially stimulating us to re-open negotiations in the AUS-EU free trade agreement,” he said.

“Get them (EU) to take our beef and lamb and we will cut the tariff and vehicle tax on European cars, including low emissions ones. Just an idea.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s peak body, the Red Meat Advisory Council chair John McKillop said the sector was disappointed in the US decision, which failed to recognise Australian red meat contributed to stable food supplies and prices in the US.

Mr McKillop said the decision was “in stark contrast to our 20-year partnership under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement”.

Given Australian lean beef was blended with local fatty trim, the US would need to use higher value cuts in their burgers and miss out on valuable export opportunities, which optimises value for US ranchers, he said.

“Australian beef is in an estimated six billion hamburgers consumed each year in the US and this tariff will cost the US consumer an additional US$180m per year,” Mr McKillop said.

“The total impact to the American consumer as a result of tariffs on Australian red meat will be AU$600m.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s largest and oldest integrated cattle and beef producer, Australian Agricultural Company, have said they will not be making public comment on the US tariffs today.