US lamb producers seek eight years of import curbs in trade hearing
US lamb producers seek up to eight years of trade protection to rebuild market share after Australian imports dominated their market.
US lamb producers have filed for trade protection at a hearing of the US International Trade Commission. US lamb producers are asking for up to eight years of safeguard measures to shield their industry from imported lamb.
Australia and New Zealand supply about 80 per cent of the US lamb market, with Australia providing the bulk. The US is Australia's largest and most valuable lamb export destination.
US lamb now makes up less than 25 per cent of their own domestic market, down from 75 per cent in 1999. US producers want to grow their market share to about 40 per cent and say they need six to eight years to rebuild.
Australia argues that US producer numbers fell due to drought, lost wool subsidies, and the pandemic, not imports alone. The trade commission will decide whether to grant protection.
Why it mattersA trade barrier could cut Australian lamb exports significantly and reduce incomes for Australian farmers in a key market.
AustraliaThis is Australia's largest lamb export market worth hundreds of millions annually; trade curbs would directly hit Australian farming income and export revenue.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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