Trump's tariffs have been in place for less than a week, and Australia, which was the first to throw in the towel, can no longer hold on. It has blatantly taken over America's business. The Australian Prime Minister has changed his tune toward China, stating that cooperation is still necessary.

Australian beef exported to China

Recently, a report by an Australian media outlet has drawn international attention. The report stated that due to the high tariffs imposed by both China and the US, American beef that should have been sold to China has been almost completely unsold. Meanwhile, Australian beef quickly filled the huge market vacated by the US.

The Australian media reported that this is an unprecedented opportunity for Australia. In March and April this year alone, China imported more than 20,000 tons of Australian beef, far exceeding the data from the same period last year. Moreover, several Australian fruits, such as blueberries and avocados, are now lining up to enter the Chinese market.

This move by the US is self-inflicted. The US agricultural sector is highly dependent on the Chinese market, but China's agricultural imports are very diversified. For example, the Chinese market is crucial to US beef producers, but US beef only accounts for 9% of China's total imports. China mainly imports beef from countries like Brazil and Russia.

American beef exported to China

The Trump administration weaponized trade policy, attempting to force China to make concessions through pressure, but ignored the interests of agricultural states, making them the biggest victims of the trade war. Last month, the US weekly export volume of beef to China fell to 54 tons, almost "zeroed out." Moreover, China suspended the qualification review of hundreds of American slaughterhouses for exports.

However, Trump probably didn't expect that his loyal ally, Australia, would come out to snatch his business. After all, after Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, Australia was the first to throw in the towel. At that time, while Australian Prime Minister Albanese kowtowed to the US, he didn't forget to criticize China, calling China the "biggest beneficiary" of the tariff trade war.

Less than half a month has passed, and the Australian prime minister suddenly changed his tune, stating that he hopes to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly cope with the tariff storm. However, it is worth noting that he promised to improve cooperation with China as part of his election campaign. In other words, if not to court voters, the Australian prime minister might not have suddenly shifted his tone.

Albanese

Australia's entry into the void has been the most dramatic. After the easing of Sino-Australian relations in December 2024, China lifted the ban on Australian beef imports. In the first two months of 2025, Australia's beef exports to China surged nearly 40% year-on-year, with high-end grass-fed products quickly capturing market share. This shift is not only an economic choice but also a political signal.

Australia's move essentially represents the victory of "economic realism" over "political alliance." Previously, when the US seized Australia's market in China during the Sino-Australian dispute, the roles have now reversed, highlighting the fragility of alliances in the face of interests. This "boomerang effect" undermines the "containment of China" coalition led by the US, forcing other allies to reassess their policies toward China.

Chinese cattle farming

However, Australia shouldn't be too complacent. Although it has gained market share in the short term, its economy is highly dependent on China. If the economic growth rates of the US and China slow down due to the trade war, Australia's export demand may be affected. Balancing relations with the US and China is a long-term challenge for the Australian government.

For China, it has never put all its eggs in one basket. Both the US and Australia should realize that China is shifting from "reactive response" to "proactive planning." While accelerating domestic cattle breeding, China is also expanding its import sources. Without cooperation with China, China will not suffer serious damage, but for the US and Australia, it will be a fatal blow.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493470641585242624/

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