Australia-EU trade pact faces opposition over red meat access

The Australian government’s proposed free-trade agreement with the European Union faces significant political opposition from the Coalition and agricultural lobby groups. The dispute centers on market access for red meat, which critics argue falls short of industry requirements.

Under the current terms, Australia would receive a tariff-free annual quota of 30,600 tonnes of beef over ten years and 25,000 tonnes of sheep and goat meat over seven years. Industry groups and Coalition representatives have called for higher volumes, specifically 50,000 tonnes of beef and 67,000 tonnes of sheep and goat meat.

Trade Minister Don Farrell has defended the deal, stating it is vital for diversifying Australia’s trading relationships and boosting the economy. He accused the Coalition of “economic vandalism” for threatening to block the pact. Conversely, the Coalition and Nationals argue that the agreement provides insufficient market access and includes strict climate-change requirements, maintaining that “no deal is always better than a bad deal.”

If approved, the agreement is projected to allow up to 98 per cent of Australian goods to enter the EU duty-free, with the Albanese government estimating an economic benefit of up to $10 billion annually.