Overview

• U.S. tariffs on Australian beef exports could increase the cost of McDonald’s hamburgers, as much of the imported beef is used in their products.
• Trade Minister Don Farrell criticizes the tariffs as harmful to both Australian farmers and American consumers, calling them counterproductive.
• The Australian government is seeking exemptions from the Trump administration’s broader tariff agenda, which has already imposed a 25% tax on Australian steel and aluminum.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese argues that tariffs function as a tax on American buyers and has faced criticism for not directly lobbying President Trump for exemptions.
• Australian officials are exploring trade diversification efforts with other countries to mitigate the impact of potential U.S. tariffs on agricultural exports.