United States puts lamb trade on notice

Australia's lamb industry is preparing to defend access to the lucrative United States market after US authorities launched a global investigation into imported lamb.

The investigation follows the United States Trade Representative referring the matter to the US International Trade Commission under sections 201 and 202 of the US Trade Act.

It will examine lamb imports from all countries and is not directed specifically at Australia.

The investigation does not itself impose tariffs, quotas or other trade restrictions, but it could ultimately result in recommendations for measures to protect American producers.

The Australian Meat Industry Council, Sheep Producers Australia and Meat & Livestock Australia have begun preparing a coordinated industry and government response.

AMIC chief executive Tim Ryan said Australian exporters had developed longstanding relationships with US customers and consumers.

He said imported lamb helped bridge the gap between American production and demand, ensuring lamb remained available year round.

Sheep Producers Australia chief executive Bonnie Skinner said Australian lamb complemented, rather than displaced, locally produced meat.

The US was Australia’s largest individual lamb export destination in 2025, while the value of Australian lamb exports exceeded $4.2 billion across all markets. 

American producer groups have previously argued that increasing imports from Australia and New Zealand have held back recovery of the US sheep industry.

Any new restriction would be watched closely in Tasmania, where strong export demand has helped support lamb and mutton prices.

The Australian industry will now provide evidence to the US investigation before any recommendations are made.