Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) showed his support today for newly announced tariffs on Australian beef and lamb imports. The Trump administration unveiled a 10% reciprocal tariff on Australia, citing their unfair trade practices with the U.S. Since 2003, Australia has restricted American imports on beef while exporting roughly $3 billion worth of beef and over $1 billion worth of lamb products to the U.S. last year alone.

America has been the target of unfair trading practices from its economic partners for decades. This includes Canada, who has imposed a 25% tariff on American poultry and meat products, and China, who imposed additional tariffs of up to 15% on agricultural products including beef. Lemondes believes these tariffs are long overdue and sees this as an opportunity for local farms to thrive with a level playing field.

“Beef and lamb products have been an essential part of Central New York and New York State’s agricultural economy, and these newly announced tariffs will help local farms compete against these unfair trade practices,” said Lemondes. “I’m glad we finally have an administration in the White House that understands this industry and the impact it has on rural communities. I’m proud to see this announcement from President Trump and look forward to seeing this industry grow in New York and across the country.”