"Other Countries Refusing U.S. Beef Have Also Been Asked to Open Their Markets"
On July 24 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Australia's decision to open its domestic market to U.S. beef, while indirectly pressuring other countries currently engaged in tariff negotiations with the United States.
President Trump stated on his social networking service, Truth Social, "Australia has agreed to accept U.S. beef," adding, "Now we will sell a lot of beef to Australia, because this is undeniable and irrefutable proof that U.S. beef is the safest and the best in the world." He continued, "Other countries that are refusing our excellent beef have also been asked to open their markets," and said, "Our livestock producers, some of the hardest-working and finest people, are smiling today, and that means I am smiling too." He concluded, "Let's keep this positive momentum going," and declared, "This is America's golden era."
President Trump also posted a joint statement from Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative, and Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture. In the joint statement, they said, "The Australian government has decided to open its market to U.S. fresh and frozen beef," and described it as "an important moment in U.S.-Australia trade relations and a historic victory for the U.S. livestock industry."
Representative Greer stated, "For decades, Australia imposed unfair barriers on U.S. beef. Yesterday's decision by the Australian government is a significant milestone that lowers trade barriers and secures market access for the U.S. agricultural and livestock industries." He added, "The USTR will continue to negotiate with trade partners to eliminate unfair trade practices and ensure that American people are not excluded from major markets."
Secretary Rollins said, "U.S. agricultural and livestock producers produce the safest and healthiest beef in the world," and added, "It is absurd that, for the past 20 years, our beef has not been available to Australian consumers due to unscientific trade barriers."
The previous day, the Australian government announced that it would lift import restrictions on U.S. beef starting next week. It is known that Australia, citing this decision, will demand that the United States lower or eliminate the 50% tariff imposed on Australian steel and aluminum, as well as the announced 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals.
The South Korean government is also paying close attention to how Australia's decision to open its beef market will affect its own ongoing, urgent tariff negotiations with the United States, as the deadline for tariff imposition approaches on August 1. It has been reported that the United States is also demanding the import of U.S. beef over 30 months of age and agricultural products in its tariff negotiations with South Korea.
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