Australian beef producers face continued uncertainty after US President Donald Trump imposed global tariffs, adding 10 per cent on all Australian imports, which were then paused abruptly.

The direct economic impact of the tariffs could be limited, but the indirect consequences include global trade disruption, rising prices and political ramifications.

Senior economist from the Australian Institute Matt Grudnoff says while Australia exported $37.5 billion worth of goods to the United States, it was small compared to our other trading partners.

“It might affect them more, but I think to the economy, less so. The biggest impacts of the tariffs will likely be on US consumers.”

Matt Grudnoff

Australia exported 2.24 million tonnes of beef last year, with over 525,000 tonnes shipped to the US due to their American cattle shortage.

Local Stirling butcher Fred Monastra says Australian consumers could soon feel the effects of the tariffs.

“I have already seen price climbs. If this continues and the tariff is not paused, I think you will be looking at $50 or more for a kilo of rump steak.”

Fred Monastra

The Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance has also warned rump steak prices could hit $56 per kilogram.

Former Ambassador for the Asian Pacific Pierre Dietrichsen says these tariffs will affect our alliance.

“The rules of the WTO stated that if negations fail then a country can impose a unilateral tariff,” he says.

“The United States now imposing a tariff without negotiating will have a significant impact and Australia will need to send a delegation to negotiable a unilateral agreement.”

Research from Emeritus Professor Rodney Tyers suggests Australia’s real per capita disposable income could fall by between five and 14 per cent under Trump’s tariff due to our country’s heavy reliance on trade.