Australian PM says no compromise on biosecurity in US trade talks

Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Friday that his government will uphold biosecurity laws while considering the potential lifting of restrictions on US beef imports.

Reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Nine Entertainment suggest that the Labour Party government may leverage the ban on certain US-slaughtered beef as a negotiation tool for securing tariff exemptions.

Albanese, responding to the claims, emphasised that biosecurity would not be compromised in any discussions but remained open to a solution that ensures food safety, according to the Xinhua news agency.

"We'll never loosen any rules regarding our biosecurity," he told ABC Radio.

Australia lifted its blanket ban on US beef imports in 2019, ending restrictions that had been in place since 2003. However, limitations remain on beef products from Canadian and Mexican cattle slaughtered in the US.

In March, the US administration flagged Australia’s biosecurity laws on beef imports as a trade grievance ahead of the announcement of the 'Liberation Day' tariffs.

Reports from the ABC and Nine Entertainment suggest that Australian officials believe biosecurity regulations could be adjusted to allow US beef imports without compromising safety.

The issue gains prominence ahead of an anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump at the upcoming G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada.

Health Minister Mark Butler, a member of Albanese’s cabinet, told Seven Network television on Friday that the beef import restrictions have been under review for "some time".

"This will be a decision taken on its merits, not for convenience, not to get a deal. We'll be taking a decision in the national interest in this area," he said.

Albanese told ABC Radio that he is looking forward to having a face-to-face meeting with Trump and again described the US tariffs as an act of economic "self-harm".

(inputs from IANS)