【By Observer Net, Yuan Jiaqi】

According to China News Network, the Australian government announced on the 24th that it has lifted the import restrictions on U.S. beef after a scientific review. The Trump administration of the United States touted this as a "victory," and the U.S. Agriculture Secretary strongly praised it, attributing the result to Trump's trade negotiations.

Some critics questioned whether the Australian government used biosecurity as a tool for trade negotiations, aiming to appease the Trump administration in exchange for tariff exemptions. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell denied this claim.

On Friday (the 24th), Farrell delivered a speech at the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, reiterating that the "liberalization" of U.S. beef was the final outcome of a decade-long scientific and risk-based import assessment and review process.

He emphasized that Australia would never compromise on its fundamental values and core interests, and the country's pharmaceutical benefits plan and biosecurity standards could never be used as bargaining chips in negotiations.

Farrell further warned that if Trump's global trade war continued, it could bring hardship to generations of Australians. The Albanese government faces increasingly severe economic conditions during its second term.

In his speech, he pointed out that as one of the main designers of the global trade system, the United States is now questioning the benefits of open, rule-based trade. "The Trump administration is seeking to expand domestic manufacturing and exert influence over the policies of its trade partners."

Farrell emphasized that as a medium-sized open economy, trade accounts for nearly a third of Australia's economic output, with one in every four jobs related to trade. Australia relies on exporting agricultural products, resources, and human capital to maintain its current high standard of living. However, the trade policies pursued by the Trump administration could weaken Australia's prosperity and have long-term consequences.

"These mechanisms and norms we have carefully built are being questioned, and the rules we have established are also facing challenges," he lamented. "We may witness a shift from a system based on shared prosperity and mutual dependence to one that is entirely driven by strength and size."

"We must not allow the world to return to the 'law of the jungle,' " Farrell added. If the economic growth of trade partners slows down, Australia will inevitably be affected. "In 2025, we are no longer in a 'set and forget' world. We can no longer take for granted the rules that support a stable trading system."

He believes that Australia should adopt a more strategic and coordinated approach to its trade policy, finding a balance between openness and resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

British media noted that such sharp criticism of a close ally like the United States reflects the growing anxiety of the Australian government towards the pressure from the Trump administration.

Speech video screenshot

Currently, all exports from Australia to the United States will face a 10% benchmark tariff, with steel and aluminum subject to an additional 50% tax. Additionally, there are reports that the U.S. may plan to impose a 200% tariff on Australian medicines.

On the so-called "Liberation Day," Trump specifically mentioned Australia's restrictions on U.S. beef imports when announcing the tariff policy.

At that time, he complained, "Australia is very good, but they ban U.S. beef. However, last year alone, we imported $3 billion worth of Australian beef from them."

"They don't accept our beef. They don't want it, because they don't want to affect their farmers, and I don't blame them." The next sentence, Trump revealed his teeth, "But now we're going to do the same thing, starting at midnight tonight."

It is reported that since the first case of mad cow disease was found in the U.S. in 2003, Australia has been banned from importing U.S. beef until now. The lifting of the import ban will take effect on July 28.

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer Net, and unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7530910446317224467/

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