President Trump recently implemented new global tariffs (15%) to replace his previous broad sweeping tariffs imposed last year, which were struck down by the Supreme Court. While most of the tariffs do not impact agricultural imports, goat meat from Australia is impacted.
The Supreme Court, in a 6–3 ruling, determined that most of the import tariffs implemented in 2025 were not permitted under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Trump’s newest global tariffs of 15% are now made under the 1974 Trade Act (Section 122), which allows for a temporary import surcharge to “deal with large and persistent U.S. balance-of-trade surpluses,” and “to prevent significant appreciation of the dollar in foreign exchange markets.” According to the Act, the tariffs can be in place for 150 days unless they are extended by Congress (page 15, Trade Act of 1974).
As of March 5, a coalition of 24 state attorneys general and governors filed a lawsuit requesting the U.S. Court of International Trade to block the new global tariffs. No ruling has been made as of the publishing of this article (Politico).
Impacts on agriculture related imports
The White House fact sheet indicates the tariffs will not impact:
- Fertilizers that can’t be sourced in the U.S. or produced in enough quantities for domestic demand
- Agricultural products: beef, tomatoes and oranges
Australian goat imports hit by new tariffs
While some agricultural products and inputs are not impacted, Australian goat imports into the U.S. are now subject to the 15% surcharge. Australian lamb is also impacted as well. This is an increase from the temporary 10% tariffs imposed in 2025.
“Unfortunately, Australian sheepmeat and goatmeat will see tariffs increase from 10% to 15% under the new arrangements,” says Michael Crowley, managing director, Meat & Livestock Australia (Australia’s equivalent to the USDA).
The U.S. is Australia’s top export market for goat meat in 2025, and has been for years with export volumes more than double the next largest export market (South Korea).
Most of the exported goat meat is frozen and shipped as a carcass (whole or six-way split), typically for the food service market (restaurants, grocery stores, meat markets, etc.) (MLA). Additionally, much of Australia’s goat is sourced from feral, wild goat herds, which are not native to the country.
Opinion: Impact on U.S. goat meat market and domestic demand
While Australian goat imports into the U.S. will likely increase in price due to the recent tariff increases, it will likely not have a major impact on import numbers, nor significantly impact prices for domestically raised goats. Here is why:
- The tariff increase is relatively small compared to recent policy changes.
The increase is only 5% higher than the temporary tariffs imposed earlier in 2025, and U.S. demand for Australian goat meat remains very strong. - Imports have been increasing because domestic production cannot meet demand.
From 2023 to 2024 imports into the U.S. increased 23%, with a total of 2.55 million goats processed (MLA). The U.S. goat meat industry is not able to meet this demand. - Imported goat meat will cost more, but it will likely still remain less expensive than domestically raised goat meat.
Because of this price difference, it will not be easily replaced by U.S. goat meat. - There is still a very large gap between domestic pricing and availability for the retail market, where Australian goat typically is sold.
While the USDA does not track national retail prices for goat meat, a simple comparison shows imported Australian goat meat at Costco in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area selling for about $5.33 per pound, while domestically raised goat meat typically retails for $20–$30 per pound (Offrange). - The slowdown of the U.S. economy also has and will likely continue to impact goat meat consumption.
Goat meat is generally higher priced than other animal proteins, whether domestic or imported. - Consumers may respond by purchasing lower-cost meats to prepare at home.
That could still include Australian goat meat, or they may skip goat altogether and choose other domestically raised meats such as pork, chicken, turkey or beef, depending on their cultural and dietary preferences or requirements.
References
- Crowley, M. (2026). Statement from Michael Crowley, managing director, Meat & Livestock Australia, on U.S. tariff announcement. Meat & Livestock Australia.
- Meat & Livestock Australia. (2025). Australia’s 2024 goatmeat boom.
- Meat & Livestock Australia. (2025). Goatmeat snapshot: Unpacking the latest insights.
- Miller, L. (2026). Get your goat. Offrange.
- Palmer, D. (2026. States sue Trump over tariffs. Politico.
- Svacina, L. (2026). Costco goat cubes. Grazing With Leslie.
- Svacina, L. (2024). Growing Australian goat meat exports to the U.S., from feral herds. Grazing with Leslie.
- The White House. (2026). Fact sheet: President Donald J. Trump imposes a temporary import duty to address fundamental international payment problems.
- U.S. Office of the Federal Register. (1974). Trade Act of 1974.
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