AUSTRALIA’S sheep meat industry will be able to deliver a robust, fact-based case demonstrating the mutual benefit of Australia’s lamb trade to the United States, a peak processor body said this morning.

A joint statement from Meat & Livestock Australia, Sheep Producers Australia and the Australian Meat Industry Council said the Australian lamb supply chain is ready to respond to a US global safeguard investigation into lamb imports.

The statement came in the wake of the United States Trade Representative’s referral of the matter to the US International Trade Commission, under Sections 201 and 202 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974.

Australian Meat Industry Council chief executive officer Tim Ryan said AMIC will work with industry to ensure Australia continues playing an important role as a trusted and reliable lamb supplier that contributes towards meeting the gap between US domestic lamb demand and production, as part of the Section 201 investigation.

“Australian lamb exporters have built a long‑standing relationship with US customers and consumers, which has ultimately underpinned the maintenance and growth of lamb consumption in the US to the mutual benefit of US producers and Australian exporters.

“AMIC emphasises that imports are essential to the total year-round US supply and availability of lamb to the American consumers,” he said.

The industry bodies said the Section 201 investigation will look at imports from all countries and does not specifically target Australia. The investigation is the first step in a statutory process and does not itself impose tariffs or other trade measures, the joint statement said.

“AMIC is already working with our partners across the supply chain and with the Australian Government to mount the necessary legal defence of Australian lamb imports as part of the Section 201 investigation.

“It’s disappointing to see this type of investigation, but we are confident the Australian industry can deliver a robust, fact-based case demonstrating the mutual benefit of Australia’s trade,” Mr Ryan said.

Sheep Producers Australia CEO Bonnie Skinner said the Australian supply chain would work collaboratively to respond.

“Industry is well positioned to demonstrate the value of Australia’s long-standing trading relationship with the United States.

“Australian sheep producers take pride in producing high-quality lamb that is trusted and enjoyed by American consumers,” she said.

“Australian supply complements domestic production and helps meet year-round consumer demand for lamb.

“In fact, Australian and American producers have a long history of collaboration through global industry forums to grow demand for lamb.”

MLA’s regional manager for North America Paul da Silva said the Australian and American sheep industries share common goals in promoting lamb consumption in the US.

“MLA has invested in programs to help grow lamb consumption in the US for decades, working with American owned-businesses to increase product awareness and trial.

“The growth of the lamb category benefits both Australian and American lamb producers. We will continue to engage constructively with the process,” he said.

AMIC, MLA and SPA said they will work closely with members, government and industry stakeholders to represent Australia’s interests in the Section 201 investigation, support a coordinated industry response and ensure Australian red meat processors, exporters and producers are well informed throughout the investigation.

NFF supports joint industry body approach

National Farmers Federation president Hamish McIntyre said the NFF unequivocally supports SPA, AMIC and MLA as they lead the industry’s engagement on this issue.

“Importantly, there is no immediate impact on Australian sheep producers’ ability to supply the US market, and the industry is well placed to engage constructively with the process ahead,” he said.

“Australian sheep producers have built a long-standing reputation as a trusted and reliable supplier to the United States, complemented by a strong history of collaboration with U.S. industry partners to support and grow lamb consumption.

“The NFF has long championed free, fair and rules-based trade, recognising its role in supporting economic growth, global food security and a stable international trading environment,” Mr McIntyre said.

“Australia and the United States share a deep and enduring agricultural relationship, underpinned by trade, investment, innovation and strong people-to-people ties.

“Farmers’ interests, and Australia’s broader national interests, are best served by an open, predictable and evidence-based global trading system.”