Australia Loosens Beef Import Bans Amid U.S. Trade Talks

The United States is set to expand its beef exports to Australia, following Canberra's decision to ease import restrictions. President Donald Trump hailed the move, describing U.S. beef as the safest in the world and signaling a stricter stance on countries rejecting U.S. beef products.

Despite accusations of Australia exploiting existing trade deals, Canberra's officials assert that the decision stemmed from a thorough biosecurity assessment and was not part of trade negotiations. Since 2003, the biosecurity rules around U.S. beef were stringent due to mad cow disease concerns.

Australia's agriculture ministry noted improvements in U.S. cattle traceability, allowing imports from cattle born in Canada or Mexico but slaughtered in the U.S. This easing has sparked biosecurity concerns within Australia, with opposition questioning whether standards were compromised for diplomatic purposes.

(With inputs from agencies.)