Australia Accepts U.S. Beef and Ag Trade Deficit Continues to Grow
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.**For the first time in more than two decades, Australia will accept shipments of fresh and frozen U.S. beef.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Kent Bacus says this is a huge win, adding there’s really been no scientific justification to keep us out, this was just a lot of protection and regulatory burdens we’ve had to overcome.
Bacus says Australia won’t likely be a huge export market for us, but it’s really about opportunities.
**The U.S. agricultural trade deficit hit a record high in 2025.
Agricultural export value trailed import value by $4.1 billion in June, pushing the deficit to $28.6 billion through the first half of 2025, 14% larger than a year ago.
For 50 years, the U.S. ag sector has consistently had major trade surpluses, but the growing deficit signals a historic reversal.
The shift began in Trump’s first term during the trade war with China.
**Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced USDA’s intent to purchase up to $230 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from American producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country.
These purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and
communities in need.
Year to date, USDA has provided more than $924 million in purchases to benefit the charitable feeding network.