CANBERRA/SYDNEY – Australia will ease restrictions on beef imports from the United States, the country’s agriculture ministry said on Thursday, potentially smoothing trade talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who had attacked its rules.

Still, the decision, which U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called a win for Trump, is unlikely to significantly boost U.S. shipments because beef prices are much lower in Australia, analysts said.

Australia Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said in a statement a “rigorous science and risk-based assessment” had concluded that U.S. measures to monitor and control the movement of cattle meant biosecurity risks were being effectively managed.

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