misho
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell warned on Sunday that Donald Trump’s trade war could drive up the price of American burgers.
The Australian warning comes amid concerns that tariffs may extend to beef and other agricultural products.
According to a report published by The Guardian, Farrell stated that most of the beef Australia exports to the U.S. is used by fast-food giant McDonald’s. Any new tariffs on Australian products would inevitably raise the prices Americans pay for cheeseburgers and Big Macs.
Farrell added that he would continue to push for Australian products to be exempt from Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. He acknowledged that he could not predict what the former U.S. president might consider in any potential trade deal but vowed to present an offer “he can’t refuse.”
Trump’s Shadow Looms Over Australia
In an interview with Sky News, Farrell said he would try to persuade his American counterparts that not only are these specific tariffs misguided, but Trump’s broader trade agenda is also flawed. He is set to discuss the issue with the U.S. trade representative in a call on Tuesday.
Despite the concerns, Farrell stated that Australia would not consider imposing retaliatory tariffs on the U.S.
The Australian government has reaffirmed its stance against the existing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum exports, which were imposed by Trump’s administration as part of broader global trade restrictions. Additionally, Australia hopes to avoid future tariffs on key sectors such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Farmers on Edge
Australian farmers are anxiously awaiting the next round of tariffs to see if their meat exports will be affected. The U.S. is Australia’s largest international market for beef, lamb, and goat meat, with Australian producers selling $6.2 billion worth of meat to the U.S. in 2024—nearly 30% of the country’s total $39 billion in exports that year.
When asked about potential tariffs on agricultural products like beef, Farrell warned that such measures would have a “significant impact” on both Australian producers and American consumers.
A Hostile Move
On Saturday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also criticized the possibility of U.S. tariffs, stating that such a move would not be a friendly gesture.
“We have great friends in the United States, and we expect them to act accordingly,” Albanese said at a press conference.
He cautioned that tariffs are effectively a tax on American buyers of imported goods, regardless of their origin. “Whether it’s steel or aluminum, tariffs are a tax on Americans themselves,” he said, adding that markets have historically reacted negatively to such moves by the Trump administration.
