Reason Aussies won't see US product at supermarkets after 23-year ban lifted
You'd struggle to find American beef anywhere Down Under, despite the lifting of a 23-year ban.
Updated Fri 27 February 2026 at 10:19 am AEDT
While there's no sign that American beef will be available at Aussie supermarkets any time soon.
This week, the US Embassy celebrated the return of US beef to Australia with a three-hour banquet featuring eight dishes and seven cuts. While many Aussies were quick to declare they’d never buy meat from across the Pacific, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to find it in the country anytime soon.
Industry body Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) told Yahoo News it’s confident that no commercial import permits for US beef have been issued, despite imports being allowed to resume after 23 years.
Its managing director, Michael Crowley, said he understood, “No commercial shipments of US beef have entered Australia since the government’s announcement last year”.
That means even if Aussies wanted to chow down on a Texas tomahawk or a Kansas City strip steak imported from the US, money couldn't buy them Down Under right now. Supermarkets are also unlikely to stock them any time soon.
