U.S. Beef Returns to Australia After 23-Year Absence

By U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)

April 1, 2026 | 1 min to read

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U.S. representatives gather for a ceremonial U.S. rib roast carving session. (Left to right) U.S. Consul General Jeremy Cornforth, USDA/FAS Ag Counselor Lazaro Sandoval, U.S. Chargée d’Affaires Erika Olson, USTR chief agricultural negotiator Dr. Julie Callahan and USMEF’s VP of Asia Pacific Jihae Yang. (Photo Credit: USMEF)

A launch event with USTR, the U.S. Embassy and the Foreign Agricultural Service commemorates the reopening of the Australian market to U.S. beef.

For more than two decades, following the first detected case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in the U.S., the beef industry and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) have worked diligently to regain access to the Australian market. In 2025, U.S. beef and beef products were officially declared eligible for importation into Australia — a significant milestone for the U.S. beef industry.

To commemorate and publicize this renewed market opportunity in Australia, USMEF organized a U.S. beef launch event in Sydney, supported by USTR, USDA and the U.S. Embassy in Australia. The guest of honor was Ambassador Julie Callahan, U.S. chief agricultural negotiator. Australian importers, distributors, hoteliers and restaurateurs also attended the reception.

To read and watch more, please visit U.S. Meat Export Federation.

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