South Australia’s agricultural sector is facing yet another setback, with news today that US President Donald Trump has singled out Australian beef in his latest round of tariffs.
After facing previous trade restrictions to China, drought and now tariffs on beef exported to the United States, our primary producers are enduring some of the toughest times in history and need both State and Federal Labor Governments to step up and fight for their interests.
“Let’s be clear - these tariffs are a direct hit to our farmers, especially here in South Australia, where agriculture is a backbone of our economy,” Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said.
“Our beef industry employs thousands, supports our regional communities, and puts food on tables across the world. These tariffs will directly impact our primary producers who are already battling rising costs, drought, and global competition.
"This is a blow that’s too big to ignore and the State and Federal Labor Governments need to step up and advocate for the future our primary industries.”
In the year ending July 2024, South Australia exported nearly $200 million worth of beef to the United States, a market now threatened by these new trade barriers.
“We need a strong, united response from the Government to protect our farmers - not just platitudes,” Shadow Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment, Tim Whetstone said.
“Donald Trump says he’s making America wealthy again, but this move risks a trade war that could hurt us all. Our biosecurity laws exist for a reason - to protect our clean, green reputation, which is why the United States buys our beef in the first place.”
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Nicola Centofanti added that in light of the tariffs, the State Government must roll out more measures to support South Australia’s embattled, drought affected farmers.
“The Premier’s roundtable yesterday afternoon is just another attempt to buy time, and only this morning, he was on radio saying that the Government are ‘calibrating support’ for the next round of funding – why wasn’t this scenario planned seven months ago?” Dr Centofanti said.
“The Opposition have been calling on Labor to deliver more support for our farmers for months now – just imagine how it would feel waking up to the news that in addition to battling drought, you now face tariffs too.
“These farmers can’t take much more, and it’s about time the Premier got on with delivering more support where it’s needed, when it’s needed.”
