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Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell is negotiating with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to protect the Australian lamb industry from potential US tariffs by encouraging Australian superannuation funds to invest in the US meat sector, aiming for a mutual growth strategy amid ongoing trade tensions.
Jamieson Greer, a key architect of the White House's tariff policies, spoke to Don Farrell during the G20 trade event. Trade Minister Don Farrell hopes to shield lamb producers from additional US tariffs by pushing Australian superannuation funds to invest more in the US meat industry.
A US trade investigation into lamb imports is due to deliver a preliminary decision later this year, which could lead to additional tariffs. Trade Minister Don Farrell has asked the Trump administration to consider sparing Australian sheep farmers from further tariff pain in exchange for Australian investment in the lamb industry in the US. Senator Farrell floated the idea, which could see Australians' superannuation savings invested in American meat-processing facilities, during this week's G20 trade meetings in Milwaukee.
Senator Farrell's office has confirmed he discussed a possible lamb-industry "support package" with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the G20 event. Mr Greer is a key architect of Donald Trump's tariff policies. Representatives for Mr Greer and Ms Rollins have not responded to an ABC request for comment, but Senator Farrell told The Australian newspaper he had received a "positive" response from them.
Senator Farrell argues Australia's superannuation sector has an obligation to the national interest, but the funds ultimately decide for themselves where to invest their members' money.
"We have an opportunity for Australia and the United States to work together to grow the lamb industry," Senator Farrell said in a statement. "We want to see industry, both in Australia and the United States, succeed so that more consumers can enjoy high-quality lamb. "Last year, Australia exported about 100,000 tonnes of sheep meat to the US, valued at more than $1 billion.
American sheep farmers have long argued that imports from Australia and New Zealand threaten the domestic industry.
"Our foreign competitors, particularly Australia and New Zealand, have consistently taken advantage of our relaxed barriers and used them to undercut and infiltrate the US lamb market. But Sheep Producers Australia argues Australian lamb "complements domestic production and helps meet year-round consumer demand for lamb" in the US. Several Australian meat industry groups have been working on responses to the US trade investigation ahead of a public hearing later this month and a preliminary decision expected by November.
Australian diplomats in Washington have also been pressing the case for no new tariffs, with a particular focus on the lamb investigation.
Australian Lamb Industry US Tariffs Don Farrell Jamieson Greer Superannuation Investment
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