Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized the tariffs, arguing they will harm U.S. consumers who depend on Australian beef patties.

Australia's agricultural exports to the U.S. are substantial, valued at $7.1 billion, making it the second most important market for Australian farmers after China.

Australian farmers are expressing significant concern over U.S. President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 10% tariff on Australian exports, which they fear will increase costs for American consumers, particularly affecting the price of six billion hamburgers annually.

With 90% of Australia's 34,000 livestock farms being family-owned, the tariffs pose a significant threat to these vulnerable agricultural businesses.

John McKillop, chair of the Red Meat Advisory Council, highlighted that these tariffs could cost U.S. consumers an additional $180 million each year, potentially impacting the availability of Australian beef in U.S. hamburgers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reassured farmers of the government's commitment to uphold Australia's stringent biosecurity measures, especially in light of potential U.S. pressure to reduce protections.

Biosecurity expert Melodie McGeoch emphasized that the ban on U.S. beef imports is crucial to prevent diseases that could disrupt Australia's local livestock industry.

While the tariffs do not ban Australian beef exports to the U.S., which remain valued at $3 billion annually, they still raise concerns about the future of these exports.

The agriculture sector is bracing for potential tariffs, with fears that they could escalate to match the initial 25% tariffs imposed on other imports.

Despite the disappointment over the tariffs, Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking noted the strong relationship between Australian farmers and the U.S. under the existing free trade agreement.

In response to the tariffs, Australian farmers have diversified their export markets, increasing shipments to countries like China, Japan, Korea, and the Middle East.

Former NSW Farmers president James Jackson warned that a disease outbreak in Australia could be catastrophic, leading to halted livestock sales and the destruction of infected cattle.