Wounded Trump may target Australian lamb in tariff push
Trump's midterm defeat will test his protectionist stance as a lamb tariff decision looms.
Donald Trump's party suffered heavy losses in agricultural states, leaving him politically weakened. A key US investigation into imported lamb will decide on November 13.
The president can then impose tariffs or quotas. Former Australian ambassador Arthur Sinodinos warned that Trump fights hardest when cornered.
He may use protective measures to please farmers. Australia supplies nearly 80 per cent of US lamb imports and already faces a 12.5 per cent tariff.
Some analysts see an opening for tariff relief. Trump's track record suggests he may instead dig in on existing protectionist policies.
- Nearly 80 per cent of US lamb imports
- Australia's market share
- 12.5 per cent
- Current tariff
- From 60 per cent to 45 per cent
- Rural approval drop
- November 13
- Decision date
Why it mattersNew tariffs would raise food costs for American consumers. They would threaten a major export market for Australian farmers.
AustraliaAustralian lamb exporters face the risk of additional US tariffs that could shrink their biggest export market.
Corroborated byfarmonline.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
