PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese says he will not compromise on biosecurity after reports this morning he was planning to use beef as a bargaining chip in negotiations with United States president Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

With the Prime Minister expected to meet with President Trump on the sidelines of next week’s G7 summit in Canada, reports emerged this morning in the Sydney Morning Herald and the ABC that Mr Albanese was planning to put US beef imports on the table to secure a tariff deal with the US president.

While US beef is technically not banned from Australia, it is required to show country of origin labelling for market access to ensure US beef is grown in the US and not from Canada or Mexico. Trade sources who spoke to Beef Central this morning said Australia’s position has not changed.

In an interview with ABC Melbourne presenter Raf Epstein, the Prime Minister was asked if he planned to loosen any restrictions on the country-of-origin requirements.

“No, we will not change or compromise any of the issues regarding biosecurity. Full stop, exclamation mark. It’s simply not worth it. So, it’s that simple,” he said.

Industry reiterates position on US imports

With the reports circling this morning, Cattle Australia came out to reinforce its position on importing US beef.

“Under current arrangements, United States beef producers have had access to Australian markets since 2019 if they can ensure that the animals are born, raised and slaughtered in the US,” Cattle Australia chief executive officer Dr Chris Parker said.

“These are the same standards that Australian beef exporters adhere to in order to sell beef into the US.

“Our position is that the US needs to be able to demonstrate it can either trace cattle born in Mexico and Canada, or has systems that are equivalent to Australia’s traceability, before imports of meat could occur from non-US cattle.

“Cattle Australia is in ongoing communication with the Federal Government regarding this issue and the vital importance that our science-based biosecurity system is not compromised as part of trade discussions with any country.”

Beef industry can not be traded away, Littleproud

Nationals leader David Littleproud has also been vocal about the negotiations, saying there are other bargaining chips that can be used.

“Rather than jeopardise our beef industry, Australia should be leveraging off our strong historical ties and areas such as critical minerals and AUKUS, using real leadership to obtain a fair deal,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Australia should not be trading its beef industry away in trade talks with the US.

“The United States uses cattle from Mexico and Canada in their supply chain that poses a potential risk to our industry and ignoring those risks would be dangerous.”